You do not need to know everything about a practice before booking. A few questions give you useful information about how someone works.
1. What System or Method Do You Use?
Why ask: Many practices contain different schools and methods.
A clear answer: The practitioner names their method and gives a simple explanation.
A weak answer: The practitioner avoids explaining their approach or treats questions about their method as a problem.
What the answer does not prove: Knowing the name of a method does not prove skill.
2. What Do You Need from Me Before the Reading?
Why ask: Different readings require different information.
A clear answer: The practitioner tells you what information they need and why.
A weak answer: They ask for personal information without explaining why they need it.
What the answer does not prove: Collecting more information does not mean the reading will be better.
3. What Will We Cover?
Why ask: A reading might cover one question or many areas.
A clear answer: You receive a clear description of the session.
A weak answer: The service description changes after you pay.
What the answer does not prove: A longer list of topics does not promise more value.
4. How Long Is the Session?
Why ask: You should know what you are paying for.
A clear answer: The practitioner gives you a session length or explains how their service works.
A weak answer: The expected length stays unclear.
What the answer does not prove: A longer session does not mean a better session.
5. How Do You Handle Uncertainty?
Why ask: Interpretive practices do not give the same level of certainty for every question.
A clear answer: The practitioner explains when a reading is unclear or has more than one possible interpretation.
A weak answer: Every answer is presented as fixed and certain.
What the answer does not prove: Careful language does not mean the practitioner lacks confidence.
6. Do You Record Sessions?
Why ask: You should know before a recording takes place.
A clear answer: The practitioner explains whether recording happens and how recordings are handled.
A weak answer: Recording happens without clear notice.
What the answer does not prove: A recorded session is not safer or better than an unrecorded one.
7. How Do You Handle My Information?
Why ask: Readings often involve personal details.
A clear answer: The practitioner explains what they keep, why they keep it, and how they use it.
A weak answer: They do not have an answer about how client information is handled.
What the answer does not prove: A privacy statement does not tell you whether you will like the reading.
8. Are Follow up Questions Included?
Why ask: You might think of a question after the session.
A clear answer: The practitioner explains what happens after the reading and whether another fee applies.
A weak answer: Extra charges appear without being explained before the session.
What the answer does not prove: Free follow up does not mean a practitioner is better.
9. What Happens If I Need to Cancel?
Why ask: Plans change.
A clear answer: Cancellation, refund, and rescheduling rules are available before you book.
A weak answer: You learn about major restrictions only after paying.
What the answer does not prove: A strict cancellation policy does not mean a practitioner provides poor service.
10. What Happens When a Question Falls Outside Your Practice?
Why ask: No practitioner covers every subject.
A clear answer: They explain their limits and tell you when something falls outside their work.
A weak answer: They claim authority over every subject.
What the answer does not prove: Having a narrow area of practice does not mean someone has less skill.
11. What Happens If You See Something Difficult?
Why ask: Some readings deal with sensitive subjects.
A clear answer: The practitioner explains difficult themes without using fear to pressure you into buying more services.
A weak answer: A frightening statement is followed by an urgent request for another payment.
What the answer does not prove: Hearing something difficult does not mean the practitioner acted wrongly. Look at how the information was explained and what happened next.