Finding a counselor who fits you is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes — often more predictive than the specific method they use. It's completely appropriate to ask questions before you commit.
About their approach: What's your training and theoretical orientation? How would you describe your style? What does a typical session with you look like? How do you decide what to focus on with a client?
About your specific needs: Have you worked with concerns like mine? Have you supported people from my background — cultural, linguistic, faith, LGBTQ+, immigrant experience — and how has that shown up in your work?
About logistics: What are your fees? Do you take my insurance, or offer sliding scale? What's your cancellation policy? What's your availability, and how do you handle between-session contact? Are you licensed in the state where I live?
About the process: How do you and clients decide when to end? How do you handle feedback if something isn't working? What happens if I want a different approach or referral partway through?
About safety: How do you handle confidentiality, and what are the exceptions? What's your protocol if I'm in crisis between sessions?
And the quietest but most important question — one only you can answer: how did you feel talking to them? Did you feel a little more oxygen in the room, or a little less? Trust that signal. It's real data.