Introductory Calls
Why do I offer an introductory call?
Offering an introductory call for potential clients is essential to establish a personal connection and build trust. It is an excellent way to know if you are a good fit before committing to sessions.
It allows you to explain your needs and goals, ensuring that I understand your expectations and what is bringing you to look for counselling. This understanding of your needs provides me with an opportunity to make sure I am suitably qualified and have the relevant experience to work with you, and if not signpost you to someone who may be able to help you better.
Additionally, this call will provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
If you haven't been to counselling before it can be a good time to share if you have any worries or expectations that you may think need to be understood.
How to prepare for an introductory call.
Identify your goals:
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Take some time to think about what you want to achieve from therapy
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Identify your concerns, think about what is causing you to seek therapy at this time
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Consider your goals, are you looking for coping strategies, do you want to talk through specific traumas, do you want to manage anxiety better?
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Write a list of questions
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Do you want to know more about how I practice and which modalities I use?
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Are you interested in how often the sessions take place and how I allocate the session days/times?
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Do you want to know more about the specific techniques I use in sessions?
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Consider when you are available and what flexibility to you have for sessions
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You may have days that work and days that don't so knowing your schedule in advance can make sure your needs are met
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Be ready to share some of the details about your experiences, for example, some of your symptoms, your life experiences, feelings you've been experiencing
What to pay attention to during the call.
During the call consider the following:
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Does the counsellor seem interested in you and your experiences?
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Is the counsellor asking relevant questions about your experiences?
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Do you feel comfortable talking to the counsellor?
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Is the counsellor happy for you to ask questions?
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Does the counsellor offer you sessions that meet your needs? If you require flexible working, is the counsellor able to offer you that?
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Have you had all of your questions answered?
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Do you understand how they practice and have they explained what to expect if you start working with them?
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Do you know enough about the location that they practice from, parking, bus services, accessibility?
Finding the right counsellor is crucial to your therapeutic work so pay attention to how you feel about the person you are speaking to.