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How to Make the Most of Your Therapy Phone Consultation
The connection between a therapist and client is foundational to meaningful therapy. The importance of chemistry and rapport can’t be overstated—but as with dating or friendships, that elusive “click” can be hard to define. Someone may look great on paper but feel off in person. Or someone unexpected might turn out to be exactly the right fit.
At Mind and Match, we believe in helping you find a therapist who truly fits you. That's why all of our therapists offer free 15-minute phone consultations before your first session. This gives you a chance to get a feel for your potential therapist—no pressure, no commitment.
That said, we know even a quick phone call can feel intimidating. You may be thinking:
- "How will I know if this person is the right fit?"
- "What should I ask?"
- "Do I really have to talk on the phone?"
We hear you. Let’s walk through how to make the most of your consultation—and how to ease into what can be the beginning of something incredibly supportive.
Step One: Just Take the Leap
Yes, phone calls can be awkward. But remind yourself: this is just 15 minutes. You're not signing a contract—you're just exploring.
Best-case scenario? You feel a sense of ease, maybe even relief, and start looking forward to your first appointment. Worst-case? The vibe’s off and you try someone else. Either way, you’re one step closer to finding your match.
Before the Call: A Few Things to Keep in Mind
This is your space.
Therapy is your time, and you get to shape it. There’s no one “right” way to do it. Trust your instincts and give yourself permission to explore what feels good and what doesn’t.
Practice expressing your needs.
It’s not always easy—we’re often not taught how to do this. But therapy is a space to learn that skill. Start now by asking any questions that come to mind. Wondering if something’s okay to bring up? It probably is.
Get curious about your hopes and fears.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. But if you know what you're hoping for—or what you're nervous about—it’s a great conversation starter.
Think about how you want therapy to feel.
Do you want someone to guide you more actively? Or someone who gives you space to lead? Not sure yet? That’s okay too. Many therapists are flexible and can adapt to your style over time.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Want to feel prepared? Here are some helpful questions to guide your call:
What might an average session look like?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but hearing how your therapist works can ease uncertainty.
How active are you in sessions? Do you guide or let clients lead?
Some therapists are more directive, others more exploratory. There’s no wrong answer—just what’s right for you.
What is your training and background?
All therapists at Mind and Match are licensed psychologists (doctoral level), but you may want to ask about their specialties, certifications, or specific modalities.
Have you worked with people navigating [insert your concern here]?
It’s perfectly okay to ask about their experience with certain issues. Even if they haven’t seen your exact situation, their response can help you gauge comfort and confidence.
Things You May Want to Share
Why are you seeking therapy?
This helps your therapist understand your goals and how best to support you.
Have you been in therapy before? What worked—or didn’t?
Your past experiences offer valuable insight into what will serve you now.
Is there something specific you’re hoping to work on?
If you’re unsure, that’s fine. Your therapist can help you explore this over time.
Gauging Your Fit: What to Tune Into
During the call, try to ask yourself:
Do I feel heard and understood?
Am I curious to continue the conversation?
Can I see myself growing trust with this person?
Fit takes time to develop. But your gut feeling in the first call can be a helpful signal.
Discomfort ≠ A Bad Fit
Feeling a little nervous or vulnerable is normal. Growth often involves discomfort. Therapy is no different. What matters is whether the discomfort feels productive and whether the therapist creates a space where that discomfort can be safely explored.
Be Patient With the Process
Sometimes, the first therapist you speak with is a perfect match. Sometimes, it takes a few tries. That’s normal—and that’s why we offer multiple potential matches at Mind and Match. Your first consult is just the beginning. You're allowed to change your mind. You're allowed to try again.
One Final Tip: Try a Time-Limited Experiment
If open-ended timelines make you uneasy, try this: give yourself six months. If by then you haven't felt a shift—whether in your self-awareness, emotional patterns, or sense of support—it might be time to explore a new match or therapeutic style.
Until then, here are some guiding principles:
- Stay open. You’ve been doing things a certain way for a long time. It’s okay to explore something different.
- Be curious. Notice what you think, feel, and experience in therapy. Let yourself be surprised.
- Be honest. Share as openly as you can. The more you invest, the more you’ll get out.
- Speak up. If something feels off—or especially helpful—let your therapist know. It’ll help shape your experience, and build better communication in your life outside therapy, too.
Starting therapy is a big step—and a brave one. If you're reading this, you’re already well on your way.
At Mind and Match, we’re here to make that first step feel easier, and to support you as you find the right person to walk with you on your journey.
You deserve support that feels right. Let’s help you find it.