Before Starting Therapy: Consult

You've decided to take the step towards going to Therapy but unsure of what therapy is like. That is normal and okay. Some Therapists offer a short consultation for multiple reasons. One reason is to get an idea of what your concerns are. Another reason could be a way of determining if that Therapist is going to be able to meet your needs.

Here are some questions to ask during your consultation or over the phone before booking an appointment. Not in any particular order and not limited to the ones listed below:

1. "Do you have experience in working with...?"

You fill in the blank. Examples could be:

-black people

-trauma survivors

-people with Anxiety

-children

-women with Post Partum Depression

It is important that your therapist have the skills and competence to meet your needs.

2. 'What's your Therapeutic Approach?"

Therapists have different ways they approach Therapy. Make sure their

approach aligns with your values/what's important to you. It's okay if you start and realize later that this Therapist may not be the one for you. If you are confused about which Therapuetic approach you need, start with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). You can find more information about CBT here.

3. "How long have you been a Therapist?"

Does experience or age matter to you?

4. "Do you take my Health Insurance?"

5. "Do you offer services on a sliding scale?"

(based off of your income) If not, what do you charge?

6. "How long are sessions?"

7. "What times are you available to meet?"

Do you need a Therapist who offers weekend or evening appointments?

9. "What do you specialize in treating?"

Some Therapists have specific training and certifications. Be sure to let the Therapist know your concerns and ask them if their training or certification could help with your issue/s.

10. "Have you ever seen a Therapist?"

This does not have to be a deal breaker. But as a Therapist, to be fully transparent and real, I HAD to see a Therapist myself. I had things to unpack and work on but it was also important for me as a Therapist to see what I was asking of others. Therapy forces you to be vulnerable which can be uncomfortable for people. It requires work. It was necessary for me to do the work and I think vital for the Therapist you see, to have or be in the process of DOING THE WORK as well.

If you are seeking Therapy I applaud you. It is not easy. But it is some of the most meaningful and life changing work you'll ever do for yourself.