Counselling
Free 15 Minute Consult or Dive Right In? Your Counselling Start Decoded
Jun 22, 2025
As counselling services grow in Saskatoon and beyond, we are seeing the emergence of the 15-minute initial consult. Unfortunately, as with all new things - there can be some growing pains and one of those growing pains is the expectations generated from that initial 15 minutes together.
At WCC, we’ve been reflecting on the 15 minute consult and wanted to share with you how we encourage new clients to use this resource and to let you know what you can expect. We also wanted to share with you how it differs from an initial counselling session so that you can feel assured that you’re making the best use of your initial conversation with us.
Understanding the Difference: 15 Minute Consult vs. Initial Counselling Session
When considering counselling, you might come across both a 15 minute initial consult and a full initial session. While they may sound similar, they serve distinct purposes. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of each.
The 15-Minute Initial Consult: A First Connection
The 15 minute initial consult is truly a brief, informal conversation meant to help you and the counsellor determine whether you're comfortable booking an initial appointment. At WCC this is a free service that gives you a chance to ask questions about your counsellor’s approach, services, and to help you understand what to expect. Think of it as a "meet-and-greet" rather than a deep-dive into your concerns.
Often clients come to these appointments with the expectation that they are going to be able assess for fit. While you may get an initial glance at your counsellor’s approach - here at WCC we caution clients against assuming fit from this initial appointment.
We offer these initial appointments to explore whether what our counsellors offer are, at a baseline, going to meet your needs. However, as skilled therapists, we want to equip you to make the best decision. In all honesty, a 15 minute conversation seldomly provides what a client needs to assess for fit. Since they are not a full counselling session, their goal is to provide an introduction to see if the relationship feels comfortable enough for clients to then schedule a first appointment.
The Initial Counselling Session: A Deeper Dive
An initial counselling session, on the other hand, may get you closer to your goal of assessing for connection and fit. The first full appointment is where you review confidentiality, record keeping, your counsellor’s scope of practice and begin the process of exploring your challenges, goals, and background in more depth. This session typically involves setting expectations, discussing treatment approaches, and starting the therapeutic process.
Once you've decided to proceed, it’s in your early counselling sessions (usually the 1-2 subsequent sessions) where you’ll discover if you’ve found a fit. During this assessment and relationship development period you will explore your concerns or goals, and your counsellor will provide space for you to share your personal history. It is through these early counselling appointments that you and your counsellor establish the approach that is going to be the most useful to you. It’s also during these initial sessions that you and your counsellor will work towards exploring expectations, and begin to develop strategies for growth and healing.
Unlike the brief consult, the first session is where the actual counselling begins.
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, and wondering whether you’ll “click” with your counsellor is a valid and important part of the process. You might be feeling nervous, unsure of where to begin, or even questioning whether your concerns are “big enough” to bring in. That’s okay. These early sessions are about creating a space where you feel seen, safe, and understood. Finding the right fit isn’t just about qualifications - it’s about feeling comfortable enough to be yourself, and supported enough to begin exploring what healing might look like for you.
How to Prepare for your 15 minutes together
It may be true that the 15 minute consult is limited in what it can provide you related to fit, however, it still has its place and we want you to make the most of it!
So here are a few things you can do in advance to prepare!
Think about any key concerns or questions you have about therapy - you can even check out our other blog here for some stems that could help you.
Consider what’s worked (or not worked) for you previously. Are there things you need to know from your counsellor at the beginning that will sway your interest in seeing them? Ask about session availability, cancellation policies, and flexible booking. We’re happy to answer any and all of those questions for you.
Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision, and these initial meetings are crucial for finding someone who aligns with your needs. At WCC we hope you take advantage of both to ensure you're comfortable moving forward in your journey.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Warmly,
Erin
