Questions to Ask a Counselor in Cary, NC, Before Your First Session
Preparing for a Consult
Many women tell me that finding a therapist feels overwhelming before they even begin. There are so many options, and you’re trying to make a deeply personal decision during a time when you already feel stressed, uncertain, or stretched thin. You’re not just looking for someone you feel comfortable opening up to — you also want confidence that this person can actually help you with what’s bringing you to counseling in the first place.
In my Complete Guide to Finding the Right Counselor in Cary, NC, I walk through how to start your search and narrow down your options in a way that feels manageable. Once you’ve identified a few therapists who seem like potential fits, the next step is knowing what to ask during a consultation so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
This post focuses on exactly that: how to use a consultation intentionally so you’re not guessing, settling, or hoping it works out — but choosing a therapist with purpose.
Why Asking Questions During a Therapy Consultation Matters
Just as you’re not the same as your friends or coworkers, therapists are not one-size-fits-all. Research consistently shows that while training and clinical skill matter, one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy is the client-therapist fit. Feeling understood, respected, and confident in your therapist’s ability to help you makes it far easier to open up, stay engaged, and commit to the process.
Therapy is a relationship. Asking thoughtful questions during a consultation allows you to assess whether this is a relationship where growth and meaningful change can happen.
7 Questions to Ask a Counselor in Cary, NC
1. What therapy approaches do you use?
There is no single “right” approach to therapy. However, a therapist should be able to clearly explain the methods they use and why those approaches are a good fit for your concerns. Look for answers that feel thoughtful and personalized rather than vague or overly technical.
2. Have you worked with clients who struggle with anxiety or my specific concern?
This is an important question, even if it feels obvious. There’s a meaningful difference between a therapist who lists many specialties and one who truly focuses on a few areas. If anxiety, burnout, or boundary struggles are bringing you to therapy, working with someone who specializes in those concerns often means deeper experience, additional training, and a clearer sense of what actually helps.
3. What does the first session typically look like?
Understanding how a therapist structures sessions can tell you a lot about fit. Many women I work with share that they don’t want therapy to feel passive or aimless. Knowing whether sessions are collaborative, goal-oriented, or reflective helps you decide if that style matches what you’re looking for.
4. How do you track progress in therapy?
Not all therapists formally track progress, which makes this a great question to ask. Your time, energy, and financial investment matter. A therapist should be able to explain how they assess growth, revisit goals, and adjust the work as needed so therapy feels meaningful and effective.
5. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Consistency is a key part of effective therapy, so it’s important to understand how scheduling works. Ask about cancellation policies, standing appointment options, and whether the practice uses an online system for scheduling, communication, and billing. A therapist’s structure should support, not complicate, your life.
6. Do you offer in-person or virtual therapy sessions?
Knowing your preference ahead of time is helpful. Some women find in-person therapy grounding and separating from the rest of their day, while others need the flexibility of virtual sessions due to work or travel. Therapists vary in how they offer services, so finding alignment here can make therapy far more sustainable.
7. How do you know when therapy is “working”?
This question gives you insight into how invested the therapist is in outcomes. Look for answers that reflect collaboration, reflection, and accountability. Feeling confident that your therapist is paying attention to progress can increase motivation and trust in the process.
What to Listen for In Their Responses
During a consultation, pay attention not only to what a therapist says, but also how they say it. Do they communicate clearly? Do you feel encouraged, understood, and hopeful? A consultation is a therapist’s first opportunity to show you how they work, and that impression often mirrors what the ongoing therapy relationship will feel like.
Many women I speak with are clear about one thing: they don’t want therapy to feel like venting without movement. They want to know their investment of time and money will lead to real change. Being able to ask these questions allows you to assess whether a therapist’s approach aligns with that desire.
In my own practice, I work with clients through consistent weekly standing appointments. This structure supports trust, momentum, and meaningful change over time. Having protected space each week allows clients to experiment with shifts between sessions while knowing they have support and accountability waiting for them.
Moving Forward With Confidence
If you’ve taken the time to read through these questions, pause to jot down any additional ones that feel important to you. Remember: you are the expert on yourself. A consultation isn’t about proving you belong in therapy — it’s about finding a professional you trust to walk alongside you.
If you’d like more guidance on the full process, you can reference my step-by-step guide to finding the right counselor in Cary, NC, where I outline how to move from searching to starting therapy with clarity and confidence.
Author Bio
Megan Giroux, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Cary, NC, and the founder of Megan Giroux, LLC. She specializes in anxiety treatment for professional women using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients reduce overwhelm, strengthen boundaries, and reconnect with themselves. Megan provides in-person therapy at her Cary, NC office and is passionate about helping women move out of survival mode and into lives that feel sustainable and fulfilling.
Learn more about Megan and her counseling services in Cary, NC