After someone has contacted me to enquire about counselling or psychotherapy, I normally invite them for an initial 30 minute session. The purpose of this session is so that the client can get to know me and make a decision whether they want to work with me. It is also an opportunity for me to consider whether I am the right person to be working with them. This session is free of charge since I don't consider it fair for anyone to pay for something where they may decide that this is not for them.
If at the end of 30 minutes, we both decide that there is benefit in continuing, we would normally go straight on with the first paid for session.