Consultations
Taking the First Step Into Therapy
Starting therapy can feel surprisingly complicated. Even when someone knows they want help, the process of finding the right therapist, understanding how therapy works, and deciding whether it’s a good fit can feel overwhelming. Consultations at Modern Therapy Alliance are designed to lower that barrier and make the first step feel clear, human, and manageable.
What a Consultation Is (and Isn’t)
A consultation is not a therapy session and it’s not an intake disguised as one. It’s a structured conversation meant to help you understand how we work and whether our approach aligns with what you’re looking for. At the same time, it gives us an opportunity to hear what’s bringing you in and think thoughtfully about whether we’re the right fit for your needs. Therapy works best when expectations are realistic and alignment is mutual, and consultations help establish that from the start.
You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
Many people come to consultations with uncertainty rather than a fully formed problem statement. You might know something isn’t working, but not know how to describe it. You might be functioning well on the surface while feeling emotionally stuck, disconnected, or constantly on edge. You might be navigating a specific situation, like a relationship strain or career stress, or simply feeling worn down over time. All of that is appropriate to bring into a consultation. You don’t need to have the “right words” yet.
What We’ll Talk About During the Consultation
During a consultation, we’ll talk about what you’re dealing with, what you’ve tried before, and what you’re hoping therapy might help with. We’ll also explain how we approach therapy, what sessions typically look like, and how our work differs from more rigid or protocol-driven models. This includes discussing pacing, expectations, and how we think about change over time. The goal is clarity, not pressure.
For Those With Prior Therapy Experience
Consultations are especially useful for people who have had therapy before and found it unhelpful or mismatched. If you’ve felt misunderstood, over-pathologized, or stuck in therapy that felt repetitive or overly abstract, a consultation gives you a chance to name those concerns upfront. We take those experiences seriously and factor them into how we think about working together.
Practical Questions Are Welcome
Practical questions are also welcome. Consultations are a good time to ask about scheduling, fees, insurance, telehealth versus in-person sessions, and how ongoing therapy is structured. Transparency matters. Therapy is an investment of time, energy, and trust, and you should have a clear sense of what you’re stepping into.
There’s No Obligation to Continue
Importantly, a consultation does not obligate you to start therapy. Some people leave feeling confident this is the right next step. Others decide to take time to think, explore other options, or return later. Either outcome is fine. A good consultation leaves you feeling more informed and less uncertain, regardless of what you choose next.
A Thoughtful Place to Begin
Our aim is to make the beginning of therapy feel grounded and respectful, not rushed or transactional. If you’re considering therapy and want a thoughtful place to start, a consultation offers a low-pressure way to explore whether this work feels like a fit.
Why Our Chicago Consultation is Different
Unlike many therapy practices, your free consultation is directly with the therapist you’ll work with—not an intake coordinator. Our therapists personally speak with every potential client to ensure we’re a good fit for individual therapy, couples counseling, or family work.
During your consultation, you’ll get a real sense of:
✓ Our direct, conversational approach
✓ How therapy in Chicago with our therapists works
✓ Whether individual or couples therapy is the right fit
✓ Our Chicago office location and telehealth options
✓ Insurance coverage and costs
Ready to Schedule Your Consultation with Our Chicago Therapists?
Take the first step toward individual therapy or couples counseling in Chicago. Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today to discuss your concerns and see if we’re the right fit.