How to prepare for a free introduction call with a counselor
Booking an introduction call with a counselor can feel simple from the outside. You choose a time, add your details, and wait for the call. Inside, it may bring up much more.
You might wonder what to say. You might worry that your situation is too small, too messy, too hard to explain, or not serious enough. A free introduction call is not a test. It is a first conversation to see whether the counselor’s approach, scope, and style feel like a good fit.
What the call is for
A free 20-minute introduction is not a full counseling session. It is a chance to briefly share what brings you to counseling, ask practical questions, and get a feeling for how the counselor listens and responds. The counselor can also explain how they work and whether your needs fit within their scope.
You do not need a polished story
Many people delay reaching out because they cannot summarize what is wrong. You may only know that you feel tired, tense, disconnected, sad, irritable, or unlike yourself. That is enough for a first call.
- “I’m not sure where to start.”
- “I’ve been feeling overwhelmed for a while.”
- “On paper everything is fine, but I don’t feel okay.”
- “I think I need support, but I’m not sure what kind.”
Questions you can ask
- How do you usually work with clients?
- What kinds of topics do you support?
- What is outside your scope?
- What does SGfB confirmation mean in your practice?
- How long are sessions?
- What happens if I need support beyond counseling?
How to notice fit
After the call, ask yourself whether you felt listened to, whether the counselor was clear about what they can and cannot offer, whether you felt pressured, and whether you could imagine speaking more honestly with this person over time.
You do not need to decide everything immediately. A first call simply opens a door and gives you a chance to see whether support feels possible.
Maryna Zaitseva offers counseling and emotional support in English for adults in Switzerland. Her work is SGfB confirmed and grounded in psychosocial counseling. It is not psychotherapy, psychiatric care, diagnosis, emergency support, or medical treatment. If you are in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, contact emergency services or a qualified crisis service right away.
If you would like to see whether counseling in English feels right for you, you can book a free 20-minute introduction with Maryna Zaitseva here: Book an appointment.
