Questions to Ask in a Free Counselling Consultation
A free counselling consultation is a chance to ask questions and explore whether a counsellor feels like a suitable fit. At Wellspring, this is a 15-minute virtual conversation. You can use that time to discuss what you hope to work on, how the counsellor approaches therapy, and practical questions about sessions.
You do not need to explain your entire history or choose a therapy method before you begin. A short outline of what you are looking for is enough to start the conversation.
Start with what matters to you
Before the consultation, choose two or three priorities. These might include:
- The concern you want support with, such as anxiety, relationships, trauma, parenting or a life transition.
- A preference for a male or female therapist, or no gender preference.
- A language or cultural perspective that helps you communicate comfortably.
- Practical coping tools, deeper exploration of recurring patterns, or a combination.
- A more structured and directive style, or a more open and exploratory conversation.
- Your budget, session format and scheduling needs.
Gender, language and therapeutic style are separate preferences. You can ask about each one without assuming that a therapist’s gender determines how they work.
Questions about the counsellor’s experience
- Do you work with people who are facing concerns like mine?
- What training or experience informs your work in this area?
- What professional designation do you hold, and where can I verify it?
- Can you work with me in the province where I will be physically located during sessions?
Wellspring’s clinician profiles describe each person’s credentials, areas of focus and approaches. For an RCC, you can consult the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors RCC register. For an Ontario RP, use the CRPO public register information.
Questions about how sessions would work
- How would you approach the concerns I have described?
- Would sessions focus on coping skills, emotional experiences, relationship patterns, or several of these?
- How much structure and direction do you usually provide?
- Do you suggest exercises or practice between sessions? Can we discuss what feels realistic for me?
- How would we decide on goals and review whether the work is helping?
- What can I do if something in therapy does not feel comfortable or useful?
You can say that you are unsure which approach you need. Ask the counsellor to explain their suggestions in everyday language and how they would adapt the work to your preferences.
Questions about fees and practical arrangements
- What does a regular session cost, and how long is it?
- What appointment times and session formats are currently available?
- Which professional designation will appear on my receipt?
- How do payment, cancellation and rescheduling work?
- If I travel or move to another province, what should I discuss with you before our next session?
The free 15-minute consultation has a different purpose and length from a paid therapy session. Review Wellspring’s payment and cancellation policies, and confirm the current fee and duration for your selected service in Jane before booking. If you plan to use extended health benefits, confirm coverage for the individual clinician’s designation with your insurer.
After the consultation
Consider whether you felt heard, could ask questions, and understood the proposed next steps. You can ask a follow-up question or contact Wellspring for help considering another clinician. A consultation can help you decide what to try next, even if you are not ready to commit to ongoing sessions.
A short checklist to keep beside you
- Where I will be for sessions: ______
- What I would like help with: ______
- Gender or language preferences: ______
- The style of support I would like: ______
- My questions about fees, timing or availability: ______
- The next step we discussed: ______
Quick answers about the consultation
How long is the free consultation?
Wellspring offers a free 15-minute virtual consultation. It is a brief conversation about fit and practical next steps, rather than a full counselling session.
Do I need to choose a therapy approach first?
No. A broad description of your goals is enough to begin. Counsellors offer different approaches, so you can ask how a particular method connects with the concern you want to work on.
Does Wellspring bill insurance directly?
Direct insurance billing is not offered. Receipts are provided for eligible reimbursement. Confirm coverage for your counsellor’s professional designation with your insurer.
What if I am unsure about the fit?
Contact Wellspring to discuss your questions and possible next steps. Wellspring currently offers one complimentary consultation per prospective client.
Meet the Wellspring team or book a free 15-minute consultation. The AI reception assistant can help with general matching preferences. Keep identifying and confidential information out of the chat.
Further reading
Practice information checked October 23, 2026.