How to Get the Most Out of a Free 15-Minute Consult Call with a Therapist
Taking the First Step: You’re Doing Something Brave
Reaching out to a potential therapist is a big deal—and it deserves to be acknowledged. Whether you’re trying therapy for the first time, returning after a break, or searching for a better fit, it takes real courage to put yourself out there.
Many therapists, including myself, offer a free 15-minute consultation call. It's a low-pressure way to get a feel for whether the therapist might be a good match for your needs and goals.
At Viewpoint Art Therapy, these short calls are designed to help you get a sense of how I work and whether we might be a good fit moving forward.
What Is a Consult Call—And What to Expect
A consult call is not a therapy session, and it’s not a guarantee that the therapist will be the one to work with you. Instead, it’s a short, intentional conversation to:
Learn more about what’s bringing you to therapy
Answer any immediate questions or concerns you might have
Help you decide if the therapist’s training, style, and availability align with what you're looking for
When you schedule with Viewpoint Art Therapy, you’ll speak directly with me—Aubrey Rainbow, a licensed clinical professional art therapist serving adults in DC, Maryland, and Missouri.
What to Share During the Call
You don’t need to prepare a speech or go into your full life story. Just a few sentences about why you’re reaching out is enough.
Examples:
“I recently lost my parent, and the grief has been a lot to manage alone.”
“I’m a new parent and finding myself overwhelmed and short-tempered.”
“I can tell my past is showing up in my current relationships, and I don’t want to repeat old patterns.”
“I think I had my first panic attack recently. It scared me, and I realize I need more support.”
Other things you might consider sharing:
Past therapy experiences (what worked or didn’t)
Any previous diagnoses or important identities (e.g., ADHD, trauma history, anxiety, neurodivergence)
Your goals (coping skills, boundary setting, building healthier relationships, etc.)
Deal breakers or preferences (e.g., “I need to work with someone who is LGBTQ-affirming,” or “I’d like a therapist who understands parenting stress.”)
Questions to Ask a Therapist During a Consult Call
A consultation is also your chance to ask questions—and get a feel for whether the therapist offers the kind of support you’re looking for.
Here are some helpful questions, grouped by theme:
Clinical Training + Experience
Do you have experience working with clients who are dealing with [insert concern]?
How do you typically support people with [your challenge—grief, anxiety, parenting stress, etc.]?
How do you stay current with training or new therapy approaches?
Therapy Style + Session Flow
What does a typical session look like?
Do you lead sessions or follow the client’s pace?
Do you use structured tools like worksheets, mindfulness, or art prompts?
What happens if I feel stuck or don’t know what to talk about?
Therapist’s Background + Lived Experience
What brought you to this work?
Do you have any personal or lived experience that informs your approach?
Are you affirming of LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or other marginalized identities?
How do your own values show up in your therapy work?
Logistics + Scheduling
Are you accepting new clients right now?
What times and days are you available for sessions?
Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid therapy options?
How often do you meet with clients—weekly, biweekly?
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Fit + Philosophy
How will we know if therapy is helping?
What if it doesn’t feel like the right fit after we start?
Do you offer referrals if you’re not the best match for my needs?
How do you think about the ending of therapy or knowing when it’s time to stop?
You don’t have to ask everything—but one or two questions can help you feel more grounded and clear in your decision.
What the Therapist Is Listening For
As a therapist, I’m listening closely for a few key things—not to evaluate you, but to make sure we’d be a good match:
Does your situation fall within my areas of specialty?
I work most often with adults managing anxiety, burnout, trauma recovery, neurodivergence, and family/relationship stress.Does my availability match yours?
Think: virtual vs. in-person, weekdays vs. evenings, weekly vs. biweekly sessions.What kind of therapy might support you best?
For example: talk-based therapy, art therapy, values-based work, or relational support.Can I offer what you’re looking for?
If I’m not the right therapist for your needs, I’ll do my best to connect you with someone in my trusted referral network.
You Deserve a Good Fit
This call is for you—to help you get clarity, not to convince you of anything.
Notice how you feel during the conversation. Do you feel heard? Respected? At ease?
Most of the time, it’s pretty clear by the end of a consult call whether the vibe is right and the connection feels like a potential match. But also keep in mind: you’re never locked in. You can decide after the first session—or at any point during therapy—that a provider isn’t the best fit for you.
Therapy is a relationship, and the fit matters. You deserve to work with someone who makes you feel safe, supported, and empowered to do the work that matters to you.
If we’re a good match, we’ll talk about next steps and get you scheduled. And if we’re not, that’s okay too. I’ll gladly help connect you with someone who might be a better fit.
