What Questions Should You Ask To Help You Find The Right Therapist?
Interviewing a therapist can help you determine whether or not he/she is a good fit for you.But what should you ask?
From anxiety and loneliness to trauma and grief, the coronavirus pandemic is rattling our psychological well-being. According to a poll conducted in *April by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 54 percent of women and 37 percent of men say the pandemic is worsening their mental health. More people are seeking therapists to help them navigate overwhelming feelings and thoughts.That being said, many prospective clients struggle with knowing what to ask when seeking a new therapist.
Basic Questions to Ask a Prospective Therapist
It’s often uncomfortable to talk with a therapist about cost or their credentials—but both those topics can have a momentous effect on your ability to continue to seek treatment and the trust you place in your provider. Plus, any therapist worth their salt will be happy to openly discuss pricing, insurance, and other practical matters. After all, if you’re stressed about making payments, you’re only adding to your troubles.
How long have you been practicing?
What licenses and certifications do you have and which professional organizations do you belong to?
How much do you charge? What are your sliding-scale options?
How many clients have you had with similar circumstances to my own? When was the last time you worked with someone similar to me?
What led you to being a therapist?
Is This Therapist a Good Fit?
It’s important to find a therapist that meshes with your personality. If you’re nervous about starting therapy, perhaps a more guided approach to meet your goals is best. Or, if you’re a therapy veteran, maybe a direct route is appropriate. And don’t be afraid to ask a potential therapist about their own personal experiences with therapy—a good therapist believes in their field and knows what it’s like to be the one lying on the couch.
What are your strengths and limitations as a counselor?
What is your general philosophy and approach to helping? Are you more directive or more guiding?
Have you been in therapy yourself? How recently?
If your schedule requires after hour sessions-How flexible are you regarding weekend or evening appointments?
How often do you seek peer consultation?
Setting Goals For Therapy
Congratulations! You’ve passed the first hurdle—seeking help. That’s a big deal, and you should be proud of yourself. Now you need to jot down some goals to discuss with your potential therapist so you can continue to jump those hurdles going forward. By creating goals, you increase the value of your time in therapy and set yourself up for success!
How often would you anticipate seeing me? For how long?
How do you set up counseling goals? What are they like? What is success for you?
What is typical session like? How long are the sessions?
What kind of homework/assignments do you give patients?
How do I prepare for my first session?
What types of patients do you enjoy working with?
Open-ended questions, such as “What types of patients do you enjoy working with?” can yield useful information about the therapist’s preference and interpersonal style.
For instance, a therapist may respond by saying, “I’ll answer your question, but before I do, I’m curious what my answer might mean to you?” Others may depict their “ideal” patient by describing who they enjoy working with and why. In some cases, therapists may see the question as an opportunity to ask the patient, “What type of therapist are you looking for?”
Regardless of the therapist’s answer, patients should pay attention to how the response makes them feel. Psychotherapy researchers have found that effective therapists convey understanding, authenticity and expertise. During the first meeting, these qualities can help solidify a collaborative union between the patient and therapist.
*A nationwide survey of psychological distress among people in the COVID-19 epidemic: implications and policy recommendations. Department of AI Health Informatics.