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.
About Moha
Hi, I’m Moha. I am a trauma-informed therapist who specializes in working with eating disorders, perinatal health, and sexual wellness.
Before I was a therapist, I volunteered at the Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders. I also worked in women’s health research exploring sexual pain, shame, and desire, and supporting new parents navigating postpartum mental health challenges. Here, I directly connected with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations, and learned that while our journeys may look different, our core struggles remain the need. We all want to feel seen, supported, and secure. Whether you’re wanting to make peace with food, finally achieving more pleasurable intimacy, navigating your new life as a parent, or learning to accept yourself as you are, I promise to take this path together with you.
I also acknowledge that we live in a world that systematically makes it more difficult for women and folks of other marginalized genders to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Intersecting identities and systems of oppression can make it even more challenging. This is why the bulk of my practice focuses on the experiences of women and non-binary folks. I aim to be a safe space where you can rest your armour and let yourself be vulnerable, knowing that you are seen and valued. Together, we will equip you with tools to take care of yourself, and continue to live your life to the fullest.
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to answer any questions about my process and to see if we might be a good fit!
