How to Find a Therapist: Questions to Ask

So, you started your search and found a few therapists. Now you aren’t sure how to narrow down your options. What are helpful questions to ask during a consultation? What might the therapist ask me? How can I tell if it’s a good fit for me?

Here are some tips, questions, and recommendations to help you with your decision.

Questions to Ask a Therapist

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

What is your specialty or treatment focus?

Have you worked with people like me before?

What happens in the first session? What can I expect in our future sessions?

How do you do therapy? What is your style?

How long does therapy usually last for your clients?

Common questions from the therapist

These are a few examples of what a therapist may ask you:

What has led you to find a therapist?

What are the primary issues you would like help with?

How long have these issues or symptoms been occurring?

Is this your first time trying therapy?

If you were to wake up and all of a sudden not need therapy anymore, what would your life look like?

Does my fee for therapy fit your budget?

Questions for Self-Reflection

Take some time to listen to your intuition about the therapists you find. It can be helpful to reflect on the following questions:

What type of communication usually helps me work through my issues? Am I looking for space to talk, feedback, or advice?

Does this therapist’s style resonate with me?

Did I feel heard and understood during our consultation?

Do I feel more hopeful about the future?

I hope this helps you find a therapist that is a good fit for you! If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to send me a message to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety or Intuitive Eating, learn more about how I can help here.