Looking for a therapist, I got you!
Here are some questions that you can use that are contained in 3 categories: fit and approach, credentials and experience, and investment or fee for service.
I think it may be overwhelming to know all the styles of therapy out there and which one is right for you. While, I do not expect you to know them all, it may be helpful to understand your therapists style and/or approach to understand if this will be a good fit for you.
Some clients find it useful to understand the issues the therapists specialize in. For example, I concentrate on the past and trauma and knowing that your therapist has worked with issues and topics similar to yours will be helpful.
Understanding a therapists supervision practice, as we all need to have supervision to discuss cases, ideas and concepts that we may be missing in a client's file. Thus, knowing that your therapist is up to date on licensing and qualifications for the topic and that they are receiving consultation and/or supervision is important. I find this gives me a new perspective with my clients and ensures that I am using all the strategies possible.
Lastly, knowing the fees are important, the cancellation policy and the length of sessions. I notice that sometimes clients need a bit more time, so knowing if 80 minute sessions are available can be helpful. Especially when we are getting to know each other in our first session or when we are processing trauma and need a bit more time to review the past.
This is not an exhaustive list, but I find these to be helpful for clients as they often come up in our consultations or first sessions. Remember, there are never any bad questions and you will never offend me with a question. It is important to build trust and part of doing that requires vulnerability to ask those questions that actually help to build our therapeutic alliance.
If you have any questions or you would like to start your journey towards moving past your past, I am here to support you when you are ready. I know it can be hard to make that first step, so let me be the first to say, well done today.
Until I see you next,
Leigh-Ann, RP, MC, CCC, BA, BSS
