Don’t Overthink It: A Therapy Consultation Call Guide for Anxious Perfectionists
When we’re preparing for something new (like a perfectionism therapy consultation call) it’s so easy to overthink it.
Should I have questions ready? What if I forget to ask something? What exactly am I supposed to ask? Will we be able to fit it all into one 15-minute call? Do I need to prepare ahead of time?
If you’re an anxious perfectionist, the idea of going into something new without a clear roadmap might feel a little unnerving (and maybe also a little exciting and hopeful too!). You might even find yourself putting it off because you don’t feel ready yet—or you’re waiting to feel fully prepared first.
As an online therapist for perfectionism in Garden City who works with anxious perfectionists, I’ve had lots of consultation calls—so I’ve seen how common it is to get stuck in this overthinking loop. So I’ll walk you through what to expect, what you don’t need to stress about, and how to feel more grounded going into the call.
What to Expect in a Consult Call
Consultation calls can look a little different depending on the therapist, but most follow a similar structure: a short conversation to help both of you get a feel for whether it’s a good fit—based on personality, therapy style, areas of focus, schedule, and all the other little details that matter.
If you’ve already read the therapist’s website or profile, you might have a general sense of how they work. So, the consult call is often like a vibe check. But it’s also a chance to ask questions, get clarity, and connect one-on-one.
Here’s how my consult calls typically go:
I’ll start by asking a bit about what you’re hoping to work on and what’s bringing you to perfectionism therapy now. Nothing super in-depth—just enough to understand the general picture.
Then, I’ll leave space for you to ask any questions you have about me, my approach, or how therapy works.
We’ll wrap up with practical stuff like session cost, insurance, scheduling, how we’d meet, and what next steps might look like.
If we both feel like it’s a good fit, we’ll usually go ahead and schedule your first session. But if you’re unsure, that’s totally fine too. You can always take some time to think about it and check back in later.
That’s it! No pressure. No preparation needed. Just a short, low-stakes conversation.
It’s About Finding the Right Fit—Not Being the “Right” Client (or Therapist)
The purpose of a consult call isn’t to impress the therapist or “prove” you’re a good client. You don’t need to explain everything perfectly, have it all figured out, or even know exactly what you want to work on.
Really, you’re just showing up as you are—and getting a feel for whether this therapist might be a good match for your needs and personality.
And it goes both ways: the therapist is also checking in with themselves about whether they feel they’re the right fit for you. If either of you feels like it’s not quite right, that’s okay. Personally, if I don’t think I’m the best match, I’ll always share other therapists or resources that might be a better fit for what you’re looking for. And I genuinely appreciate when someone can be upfront about whether it feels like a good fit on their end too.
Remember, it’s not personal—it’s actually a good thing to figure out early. The better the match, the more helpful and supportive the work can be.
What Do I Ask in a Perfectionism Therapy Consult Call?
You absolutely don’t need to prepare questions for a consult call. But if you’re someone who feels more comfortable going in with a few things in mind, here are some ideas to get you started.
You can jot these down, keep them as a note in your phone, or just use them to guide your thoughts beforehand. And remember, many of these may already be answered on the therapist’s website or profile, but it’s totally fine to just clarify or double-check during the call.
Logistical Questions
Are you in-network with my insurance?
What’s the session fee if I’m paying out of pocket or using out-of-network benefits?
How long are sessions?
How often do you typically meet with clients?
Do you offer virtual sessions, in-person sessions, or both?
What days/times do you have available? (Or share your own schedule and see if there’s a match)
Practice & Approach Questions
What kind of therapy do you use, and what does that look like in sessions?
How do you usually help people with the kinds of things I’m dealing with?
Have you worked with clients who’ve had similar concerns or backgrounds to mine?
Feel free to ask anything else that’s important to you. You’re allowed to be curious and selective (and honestly, I encourage it!).
After the Call
Once the consult call is done and you’ve scheduled your first session, you might start thinking ahead. If you’re wondering what that first full session is like, I’ve written a blog post all about it, here.
And just a gentle reminder: you don’t have to know 100% after the consult call if the therapist is the one. It’s totally okay to take some time to think about it, or even to see how you feel after a couple of sessions. Starting perfectionism therapy isn’t a lifelong commitment to one person—you can always reassess later if something doesn’t feel right.
TL;DR
You don’t need to prepare or have a script.
It’s okay to feel unsure or nervous—it doesn’t mean you’re not ready.
The consult call is a low-pressure, short conversation to get a feel for fit.
You’re allowed to ask questions (or not!).
It’s always okay to take your time deciding or to change your mind later.
The most important step is just getting started.
Therapy consult calls don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to have all the answers—or even all the questions. Just showing up is more than enough.
And once you do? You might find it’s not nearly as overwhelming as your brain tried to convince you it would be.
Does Starting Perfectionism Therapy in New York Feel Overwhelming?
If the idea of scheduling a therapy consultation call has you spiraling into overthinking mode, you’re not alone. From my Garden City–based practice, I help anxious perfectionists navigate those “Am I ready yet?” moments by making the first step feel less like a test and more like a conversation. In perfectionism therapy, we start small—focusing on curiosity, clarity, and comfort, not pressure. You don’t need all the answers or the “perfect” questions prepared. You just need to show up as you are.
Learn more about how I support anxious perfectionists like you
Your consult call isn’t about proving anything—it’s simply a chance to see if we’re a good fit. You’re allowed to feel uncertain and take your time deciding if you’re ready to move forward.
Other Therapy Services at Balanced Connection Counseling
If the idea of starting therapy already has your mind running in circles—and perfectionism isn’t the only thing in the mix—you’re in good company. Stress patterns like anxiety, burnout, and people-pleasing often show up alongside perfectionism, making it even harder to take that first step. That’s why I offer therapy not only for perfectionism, but also for the habits and thought patterns that keep you feeling stuck or hesitant to reach out. If you’ve been wondering what it might feel like to have a space that’s just for you—without pressure or expectations—therapy can be a place to explore that.
About the Author
Adina Babad, LMHC-D, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing online therapy for anxious perfectionists across New York. She works with women who tend to overthink every angle—wanting to be prepared, wanting to do it “right,” and still feeling unsure where to start. With a blend of compassion, clinical expertise, and personal insight, Adina helps ease the pressure to have all the answers before taking that first step. In perfectionism therapy, she creates a space where you can show up exactly as you are—human, not perfect—and begin moving toward a version of life that feels more grounded and self-supportive.