Thinking About Therapy? What to Expect During Your Free Consultation

Session Consultation

Thinking about starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions.

Will they understand me?

What if I don’t know what to say?

Do I have to tell them everything?

How do I know if this therapist is the right fit?

At With An Open Heart, we want your first conversation to feel less like an interview and more like an opportunity to connect.

Our free consultation is a chance for you to learn about us, ask questions, and decide whether our practice feels like a good fit for your needs.

You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out

You don’t need to come to your consultation with the perfect explanation of why you’re seeking therapy.

You can simply tell us:

“I’m struggling and I think I need some support.”

That’s enough to start the conversation.

We may talk about what you’re currently experiencing, what you’re hoping will change, and what type of support you’re looking for.

We’ll Talk About Your Goals

Maybe you’re experiencing anxiety or feeling overwhelmed.

Maybe you’re processing trauma.

Maybe you’re navigating motherhood, relationships, family expectations, or major life changes.

Maybe you simply know that something doesn’t feel right anymore.

We’ll talk about what you’re hoping therapy can help you with and explore whether the services we offer align with those goals.

You Can Ask Us Questions, Too

Your consultation isn’t just for us to learn about you.

It’s for you to learn about us.

You might ask:

  • What is your approach to therapy?
  • Do you work with trauma?
  • Do you offer EMDR?
  • Do you work with Latine and BIPOC clients?
  • Do you offer bilingual therapy?
  • What can I expect from my first session?
  • Do you accept my insurance?
  • How often would we meet?

There is no such thing as a “wrong” question.

You Don’t Have to Tell Your Whole Story

A consultation is not a trauma-processing session.

You don’t have to share every detail of what happened to you. You can share what feels comfortable and appropriate for an initial conversation.

We believe your story belongs to you.

You get to decide when, how, and with whom you share it.

Finding the Right Fit Matters

Therapy is deeply personal.

You deserve a clinician who makes you feel heard, respected, and understood—not judged or rushed.

At With An Open Heart, we want to understand not only what you’re experiencing, but also the context around it: your culture, relationships, family, values, strengths, and the experiences that have shaped you.

Sometimes the first step toward healing isn’t having all the answers.

Sometimes it’s simply saying:

“I’m ready to talk to someone.”

And that’s where we can begin.

Your healing doesn’t have to start with having everything figured out. It can start with a conversation.

Ready to begin your healing?

These resources are a start. Real healing happens with support. We're here for you, estamos aquí para ti.

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