Hi and welcome to SR
Congratulations on your decision!
No, it's not "typical" at all. The phones are manned by volunteers, and each has a different approach.
I suggest you go off to a meeting, sit down, listen for the similarities, and not the differences , and see what you think.
What have you got to lose, except 1 1/2 hours of your time
keep posting and let us know how you are doing
HUGX
Leigh