What should I ask during a free therapy consultation?
Most therapists offer a free consultation before you book in your first session, typically ranging from 10 - 30 minutes. Personally, I offer a free 15 minute online consultation, so that I can get an idea of what’s going on for you, and you can get a sense of what I’m like as a therapist.
Below are some questions that you might want to ask me or other therapists that you’re considering. While therapists don’t expect you to show up with questions, and it’s okay not to ask anything, these questions can help you get a better idea if whether a therapist is a good fit for you.
What are your qualifications?
As of September 2025, the titles “counsellor” and “therapist” aren’t regulated in BC, which unfortunately means some people offering support may not have the training needed to keep clients safe. To help you find someone qualified, I usually suggest looking for:
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs)
Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs)
Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
Registered Psychologists (R.Psych)
Pre-Registered Professionals who have finished their master’s program, completed their practicum, and are in the process of joining one of these associations
Counselling interns who work under the supervision of an RCC, CCC, RSW, or psychologist
These designations mean the therapist has met the standards of organizations like the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, the BC College of Social Workers, or the BC Psychological Association. These are also the credentials most extended health plans in the province recognize.
What approach or modality do you use in therapy?
There are many ways to do therapy, and each person connects with different approaches. You don’t need to know the technical terms—what matters most is how the therapist explains their way of working and whether it feels right for you. Research shows that the approach itself matters far less than how comfortable you feel with the therapist and the process you’re building together.
Do you offer in-person/online/phone/walk & talk sessions?
If the type of session really matters to you, it’s a great time to ask—especially if it isn’t spelled out clearly on their website. For example, when I’m the client, I personally feel most settled in in-person sessions, so I always check that ahead of time.
Is the office accessible?
If you’re planning to meet in person and have accessibility needs, it’s completely okay to ask about the space. Not every office has ramps, elevators, or enough space for mobility devices, and you deserve to know whether the environment will work comfortably for you.
Do you have experience working with the particular concern that I’m wanting to focus on in therapy?
It can feel grounding to know your therapist has supported people with similar concerns. Not every therapist works with every issue, and that’s normal. For example, while I do support people with sexual concerns, it’s often part of a bigger picture involving trauma, relationships, or attachment. When someone’s primary focus is a sexual issue, it’s usually kinder to them for me to refer them to someone who specializes in sex therapy.
Do you have experience with working with clients from my culture or my background?
This is an important and completely valid question. It helps you get a sense of whether the therapist can understand—or is genuinely open to learning about—the cultural experiences that shape your life and how you move through the world.
Do you give homework?
Every therapist has their own style when it comes to “homework.” Some like to offer activities or exercises to try between sessions, while others keep everything inside the therapy room. If you know you prefer one or the other, it’s helpful to ask so you can find a good fit.
Is it okay to see you if my friend/partner/sibling/parent sees you?
If you think the therapist may also be supporting someone you know, it’s totally okay—and actually really helpful—to bring it up. Therapists have different comfort levels and ethical guidelines around this, and they can talk through their boundaries without sharing confidential information.
For me, I keep very clear boundaries with romantic partners and parent–child relationships. If I’m working with a couple, I won’t see either partner individually. And if I’m seeing one partner individually, I won’t see the other. The same goes for parent–child situations.
