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Questions to ask a perspective therapist

Updated: Jan 25, 2021


You’ve done the work of finding a therapist to connect with and now you’ve got them on the phone. What do you want to know?

Here are some questions that can help you see if they are a good fit for you and understand their therapeutic approach better:

  • How long are your sessions and what are your rates?

  • Do you take insurance?

  • If they offer Christian counseling or therapy: Do you have a license?

  • What is your specific license?

  • How long have you been practicing?

  • How do you help clients see change?

  • What are your areas of expertise?

  • How long do you think we will work together?

  • Have you worked with clients like me before?

  • What are your strengths and limitations as a therapist?

  • What is your general philosophy and approach to therapy?

  • How do you assess progress?

  • How much do you focus on immediate challenges, and how much do you focus on deeper elements at play?

  • What theories and models do you use (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment, etc.)?

  • Are you directive or indirective (how much treatment planning or methodology do you use - do you come with prescribed sessions, or are more informal and focus on discussion and organic flowing of conversation and questions as they arise)?

  • What role you think my past will play into the therapy work - how much time do you focus on the past?

  • What do you expect from me? Do you utilize homework?

Then, after the phone call or a first session, here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:

  • By the end of the conversation, how relaxed did you feel with the therapist?

  • How did you feel about the pace of the conversation (just right, too slow, too fast)?

  • How did the conversation seem to flow (easily, awkwardly, etc.)?

  • Consider one of your deepest, darkest secrets — could you imagine telling this person about it?

From PyschCentral, on the book Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice by Robert W. Firestone (Ph.D), Lisa Firestone (Ph.D), and Joyce Catlett (MA):

  • To what extend did you feel heard by the therapist?

  • How respected did you feel by the therapist?

  • Did the therapist seem like a real person or were they playing a role?

  • Was the therapist passive or active in the session? What do you like better?

  • Does it seem like the therapist will be open to hearing about all your feelings, including frustrated feelings relating to them?

  • Did the therapist have a positive outlook on life?

  • Overall, how did you feel after the session (better, worse, no different)?

  • How comfortable did you feel with the therapist?

  • To what extent does this seem like a safe place to express your thoughts, concerns and feelings?

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