What happens in a Free Counselling Consultation?
- Evan Vukets
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Written by Evan Vukets, RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor in Abbotsford, BC. I support men in Abbotsford, the Fraser Valley, and online across BC. Learn more about me.
You’ve thought about counselling, maybe for a while now it has been something that 'you will get around to.' Maybe stress has been piling up, you’re feeling disconnected, or you’ve hit a wall with burnout.
But booking a session feels like a big leap. What if it’s not a good fit? What if counselling isn’t what I expect?
That’s exactly why many counsellors, myself included, offer a free consultation.
It’s a simple, low-pressure way to see if counselling feels right for you. Counselling doesn’t start with all the answers. It starts with a conversation.
Why the Free Counselling Consultation Matters
The truth is, counselling works best when you feel comfortable with the person sitting across from you (or on the screen in front of you).
Research shows that the relationship between counsellor and client, often called the ‘therapeutic alliance’ is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy.
You don’t need to dive deep into your story right away. You don’t need to know all the jargon or have everything figured out.
A free consultation gives you space to meet your counsellor, ask questions, and see if you feel at ease. Think of it as a test drive.
What a Consultation Is
A free consultation is usually a 15–20 minute phone call or video chat.
It’s a chance to:
Meet your counsellor and hear a bit about how they work.
Share a little about what brought you here (at a level you’re comfortable with).
Ask your own questions about the process, approach, or next steps.
That’s it. No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation.
What a Consultation Is Not
Many people imagine they’ll have to open up their whole life story right away. That’s not how it works.
A consultation is not:
A full therapy session.
A place where you need to share everything all at once.
A sales pitch or a hard sell.
It’s simply a first step. If you want to learn more about the therapeutic process after the first session, I encourage you to read my blog post titled 'what is counselling.'
What Actually Happens
Here’s how most consultations go:
Introduction. Your counsellor will introduce themselves and explain how the consultation will work.
Sharing. You’ll have space to talk a little about what’s on your mind and brief context of what brings you to counselling.
Questions. You can ask about their approach, experience, or even practical things like session length, fees, or insurance coverage.
Next steps. Together, you’ll decide if booking a first session makes sense, or if you want more time to think it over.
Benefits of a Free Consultation
A short consultation can take a lot of weight off your shoulders. Here’s why:
Reduces nerves. You don’t have to go into counselling blind.
Tests the fit. You get a feel for the counsellor’s personality and style, and have the opportunity to have conversations with multiple therapists.
Gives practical info. Learn about scheduling, session length, and coverage options.
Saves time. You know if it feels right before committing.
Puts you in control. You decide if it’s the right next step.
How to Prepare
You don’t have to prepare much. But here are a few ideas that can make your consultation feel more helpful:
Think of 1–2 questions you’d like to ask. (For example: “Have you worked with men going through burnout?” or “How often do you recommend sessions?”)
Reflect on what’s bringing you here. Even if it’s as simple as, “I feel stuck,” that’s enough to start.
Be yourself. Show up as you are, no pressure to impress or perform.
Final Thoughts
A free counselling consultation isn’t about pressure. It’s about possibility
.
It’s a chance to meet, ask questions, and see if counselling could be a good fit for your life right now.
If you’re curious, I invite you to take that step. Whether you’re here in Abbotsford, in the Fraser Valley, or anywhere across BC online, booking a free consultation is a simple way to see what counselling might offer you.
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