What a free consultation really is
Choosing a therapist, especially for something as personal as intimacy, sexuality, or the health of your closest relationship, is not like choosing a plumber or a dentist. It matters enormously that you feel safe, understood, and genuinely comfortable with the person sitting across from you, whether that is in a quiet office or through a screen. That is exactly why I offer a free consultation. It is a short, relaxed conversation that gives us both a chance to get a feel for one another before you commit to anything at all.
My name is Wendy Haggerty, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AASECT-certified sex therapist in Sarasota. The consultation is not a therapy session, and it is not a sales pitch. It is simply a conversation, a chance for you to hear my voice, ask what is on your mind, and get a sense of whether I feel like the right person to help you with what you are carrying.
Free, confidential, and with no pressure
I want to be very clear about three things, because they matter. First, the consultation is genuinely free. There is no charge and no obligation attached to it. Second, it is completely confidential, held with the same care and discretion as any other conversation I have with a client, from the first hello onward. Third, there is no pressure. I will never push you toward booking sessions, and you will never leave the call feeling like you were talked into something. If at the end you decide the timing is not right, or that I am not the person for you, that is a perfectly good outcome, and I will be genuinely glad you took the time to find out.
What happens during the conversation
People often feel a little nervous before a consultation, mostly because they are not sure what will happen. So let me take the mystery out of it. We will talk, gently and at your pace. I will usually start by inviting you to share, in whatever words feel comfortable, a little about what is bringing you to therapy right now. You are welcome to say as much or as little as you like. I might ask a few soft questions to understand your situation better, and I will explain how I work, what my approach looks like, and how I might be able to help with what you are facing.
Just as importantly, this is your time to interview me. You can ask anything: how I approach a concern like yours, what sessions are actually like, whether I have experience with your particular situation, how scheduling and logistics work, or anything else that would help you feel more informed. The conversation is a two-way street, and I welcome your questions as much as your story.
What you do not need to prepare
Please do not spend the days before our call trying to organize your thoughts into something presentable. You do not need notes, a timeline, or a rehearsed explanation. You do not need to know the name of what is troubling you or to have decided what you want to happen. You certainly do not need to arrive with everything figured out. If you show up with nothing more than a knot in your stomach and a willingness to talk, you have brought exactly enough. Sorting through the tangle is what I am here for, and we begin that together, not before.
How long it takes
The consultation is short by design, usually a brief conversation rather than a full session. It is long enough for us to get a real feel for each other and for you to have your main questions answered, but not so long that it becomes a burden on your day. Most people find that a focused conversation is more than enough to know whether they would like to take the next step.
Deciding if we are a good fit
The heart of the consultation is fit. The research on therapy is clear that the relationship between a person and their therapist is one of the strongest predictors of whether the work helps. So more than credentials or techniques, what we are both listening for is whether this feels right. Do you feel heard? Do you feel at ease enough to be honest? Can you imagine trusting me with the tender things? Those are the questions that matter, and the consultation exists to help you answer them without any financial risk.
I hold up my end of that honesty too. If, as we talk, I sense that your needs would be better served by a different kind of specialist or a different approach than mine, I will tell you so directly and kindly, and I will do my best to point you toward someone who is a better match. Helping you find the right care matters more to me than filling my own schedule. You will never be left without a next step to consider.
Who consultations are for
Consultations are for anyone who is curious about working with me, whether you are certain you want to begin or simply testing the waters. I work with individuals, with partners, and with couples, across a wide range of concerns. Some people come to explore differences in desire between themselves and a partner, some to heal after sexual trauma, some to work through intimacy issues that have quietly grown over the years, and some to rebuild trust after an affair. You can see the full range on my services page. If you are unsure whether your situation fits, the consultation is the perfect place to find out.
In person in Sarasota or virtual across Florida and Connecticut
I offer both in-person and virtual care, and the consultation can happen either way. My in-person office is at MindSpa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, a warm and private space where many clients feel immediately at ease. I also work with clients throughout Florida and Connecticut by secure video, so if you live in Tampa, Naples, Orlando, Jacksonville, or anywhere else in the state, you can have your consultation and, if you choose, your ongoing sessions from the comfort and privacy of home. When we set up your consultation, just let me know which you would prefer.
How scheduling works right now
I want to be honest about how booking works at the moment, because I would rather set a clear expectation than a false one. Right now, scheduling is personal. When you fill out the form on this page, I personally reach out to you to find a time that fits your life. I am building online self-scheduling so that in the future you will be able to pick a slot yourself, but that is not live just yet. In the meantime, the small trade-off is that your very first contact is with a real person, which many people tell me they appreciate more than a calendar widget anyway. Once you submit the form, the next voice you hear is mine.
Your privacy
Everything about your consultation is confidential, from the information you provide on the form to the conversation itself. The sensitive nature of what I work with means privacy is not an afterthought for me; it is built into every step. You can share what is on your mind knowing it is held with care and discretion.
A warm invitation
If you have read this far, some part of you is considering taking a step, and I want to gently encourage that part. A free consultation asks very little of you and offers a great deal: a chance to be heard, to ask your questions, and to find out, at no cost and no pressure, whether this could be the beginning of something better. You do not have to be sure. You only have to be willing to talk. When you are ready, please fill out the form on this page and I will personally reach out to find a time. If you would first like to learn more about me or explore other ways to connect, you are always welcome to visit my about page, browse the FAQ, or simply get in touch with a question. Whenever you decide, I will be glad to hear from you.
Common questions
Is the consultation really free?
Yes, completely. There is no charge and no obligation. It is a genuine conversation meant to help you decide whether working with me is right for you, and nothing about it commits you to anything further.
Do I have to prepare anything beforehand?
No. You do not need notes, a plan, or the right words. You do not even need to know how to describe what is wrong. Showing up willing to talk is all that is asked of you; we sort out the rest together.
What if I decide you are not the right therapist for me?
That is a perfectly good and welcome outcome. The whole point is to find out. If we are not a good fit, I will say so honestly and do my best to help you find someone who is. You will not be pressured to continue.
Can the consultation happen online?
Yes. I offer consultations both in person in Sarasota and by secure video to clients anywhere in Florida. Just let me know your preference when we arrange a time, and we will do whatever is most comfortable for you.
How do I actually book one?
Fill out the form on this page and I will personally reach out to find a time that works for you. Online self-scheduling is coming, but for now your first contact is directly with me, which many people find reassuring.
How much do sessions cost after the consultation?
I prefer to talk through fees and options with you personally rather than list numbers that may not fit your circumstances. During or after the consultation, just ask, and I will walk you through everything clearly so you can decide what makes sense for you.