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Mind's Eye Psychotherapy

Practical Questions & Fit

Questions to Bring to a Therapy Consultation

A consultation is a chance to ask how therapy would work, not a test of how well you can explain yourself. A few useful questions can help you assess the fit.

Choose the questions that matter to you

You don’t need to cover every possible topic in an introductory call. Start with what would affect your decision: the therapist’s approach, whether they work with your concern, practical availability, or something that felt missing in earlier therapy. A short list can help you stay connected to your own questions when you’re nervous.

My complimentary consultation is a 15-minute video call. We can talk about what you’re looking for and whether my practice may be a fit. It isn’t a full therapy session, and you don’t need to share every detail of your history. A broad description of what brings you in gives us somewhere to begin.

Ask what the work might feel like

You might ask, “How would you approach the concern I’m describing?” or “How active are you in sessions?” You can also ask what happens if you arrive unsure what to discuss. These questions make the conversation more concrete than asking whether a therapist is warm or supportive, qualities that can mean different things to different people.

My style is active and collaborative. I’ll ask questions, offer observations, and work with you to explore patterns and feelings. I draw from approaches including IFS, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, and attachment-focused perspectives. You don’t need to know those terms beforehand. You can ask me to explain what they might mean for the work you want to do.

Ask about the practical agreement

Useful questions include: What are your current fees? What session times are available? How often would we meet? What is the cancellation policy? How does payment work? If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, ask about superbills and check coverage directly with your insurer. A therapist can explain their process, but reimbursement depends on your plan.

My individual sessions are 45 minutes and couples sessions are 60 minutes. I offer telehealth in California and Massachusetts. If you travel or have an unpredictable schedule, mention that before making plans. You can also ask about the platform and the kind of private setting you’ll need. Practical fit matters just as much as liking the conversation.

Ask how questions and feedback are handled

You might say, “If something isn’t helping, how would we talk about it?” or “Can we revisit the direction of therapy?” The answer can tell you something about the relationship you’re considering. You’re allowed to want a therapist who explains their thinking and makes room for your perspective. You don’t have to agree with everything to seem like a good client.

After the consultation, consider what you learned and what remains unclear. Did you feel able to ask your questions? Do you understand the next step and the practical details? You may want to think before deciding. An introductory conversation offers information; it doesn’t obligate you to begin or guarantee that every aspect of the relationship will be right.

Questions You May Have

Should I bring my full history to the consultation?

No. A brief outline of what you want help with is enough to start. We can discuss more detail in an appropriate setting if we decide to work together.

Can I ask about fees before talking about personal concerns?

Yes. Cost is part of fit, and you can ask directly. You don’t need to disclose a detailed story before understanding the practical arrangement.

What if I forget to ask something?

You can note it and ask about an appropriate next step. It’s okay to leave a consultation with a question still open rather than decide immediately.

Bring your own questions

You can request a complimentary video consultation through the contact page. A brief note is enough; please leave clinical and personal health details for a secure conversation.

Request a Consultation

Online in California and Massachusetts.