Finding the right therapist is a bit like finding the right pair of shoes. What works beautifully for one person may feel completely wrong for another. It’s one of the most important factors in whether therapy is helpful.
That’s why many therapists offer a brief consultation before beginning therapy.
A consultation is not psychotherapy. It’s a short conversation or screening call that is designed to explore whether the therapist’s approach, understanding of your issues, communication style, and experience feel aligned with what you’re looking for (and whether a therapist feels a client might be a good for them too). Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s not. Both outcomes are completely normal.
Therapy is often imagined as a perfectly calm space where the therapist always knows exactly what to say. In reality, therapy is a human relationship. Therapists bring training, experience, and care to the work, but they are also human beings sitting across from other human beings. That’s why the consultation or screening call is so important.
Therapy Is Relational
Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy.
This means that finding the right therapist is not just about credentials or techniques. It’s also about how comfortable you feel speaking openly, how well the therapist understands your concerns, and whether their style resonates with you.
Some therapists are more structured and directive. Others are more reflective and exploratory. Some are more passive, others more direct and challenging. Some work primarily with individuals, while others specialize in couples, families, trauma, or specific life transitions.
Because of these differences, it’s common for people to speak with more than one therapist before deciding who feels like the best match.
What Happens During a Consultation
A consultation usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. During this time, you may talk about:
• What brings you to therapy
• What you’re hoping will change or improve
• The therapist’s approach and how they are conceptualizing the information they are receiving, and how they might approach your case (with very little information) so you know whether it may or may not resonate
• Practical details like scheduling or fees (I do this part in advance)
Just as importantly, the therapist is also assessing whether they are the right person to support you. Sometimes, aside from logistics, a therapist might also feel communication styles or needs don’t feel like a match. In a consult, a therapist may recommend another therapist or another approach, they believe might be a better fit. This is not a personal rejection, but a sign they are making an ethical choice.
When It’s Not the Right Fit
Sometimes a consultation reveals a mismatch. This might happen for many reasons:
• The therapist’s approach isn’t what you were hoping for. This can lead to pre-therapeutic ruptures which can feel really uncomfortable
• The issue requires a different area of specialization (like dealing with children when a therapist only deals with adults)
• The communication style doesn’t feel comfortable (this can result in clients or therapists feeling misunderstood, or misaligned)
• The timing or expectations don’t align
While this can feel disappointing or uncomfortable in the moment, it’s actually an important part of the process. Therapy works best when both the client and therapist feel confident that the relationship will be constructive.
A consultation or screening call is meant to clarify this early, before anyone invests more time, energy, money and emotional work into a process that may not feel right.
Therapy Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
There is no single “best” therapist for everyone. The right therapist is the one whose approach, experience, and personality fit well with your needs.
That’s why it can be helpful to:
• Read a therapist’s website or blog
• Ask questions about their approach
• Notice how comfortable you feel in the conversation (a therapist is doing the same!)
• Trust your instincts about whether the fit feels right
As a therapist, I understand that not every consultation will lead to an ongoing therapeutic relationship. What matters most is that people find the support that truly works for them.
The Goal: Finding the Right Support
Seeking therapy is a courageous step. The consultation process exists to help people make informed decisions and to ensure that therapy begins on a foundation of trust and alignment.
When the fit is right, therapy can become a powerful space for insight, healing, and meaningful change.
And when it’s not the right fit, that simply means the search continues until the right support is found.
I offer free 15 minute phone consultations and offer in-person therapy in Hamilton and the surrounding region, and online therapy across Ontario. Please feel free to reach out for a consultation through my website.
