Paying a deposit does not insure a session will be had. She can at any time claim you did something and 'broke her rules' and she keeps it. Then it becomes 'he said she said'.

The one time I paid a deposit. Said provider changed the appt 3 times. Then was 1.5 hours late. Blamed it on traffic when there was no traffic. All along she had more than 1/3rd of the total session amount. I would have canceled the appt if I did not pay a deposit. So it kept me on the hook when I should not have been. So there is nothing to insure good TCB by paying a deposit, Does not put you in front of the line or equal white glove service.

Many providers are fine with more screening. I suggest using them first to get your references.