7 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Therapist

Going to therapy is a great form of self care as well as a wonderful tool for improving your mood, managing difficult situations or transitions, and facilitating change in your life to bring about wholeness. Therapists are trained to help you reach your goals.

Of course, the first step is to choose a therapist. But how do you know which therapist is right for you? How do you find the person you will feel comfortable opening up to about the challenges you want to explore? The key is to explore these questions. 

What am I looking for? Ask yourself what you want to work on and what type of person you feel most comfortable with. Are you looking to address trauma or grief? Are you more comfortable talking to a man or woman, a person of color or an LGBTQIA therapist?  

What do I want to do in therapy? Many assume that therapy is all about talking. The reality are there are many different types which are geared to your needs and preferences. These therapies may include art, animal-assisted, music, movement, drama, play, EMDR, and many more!

What are the therapist’s specialities? All therapists are trained in common issues like depression and anxiety. However, often they will pick an area, age group, population, or treatment method (see question two) to specialize in. Ask them about their specialties and experience.

Will I be able to continue seeing them? This is a question of practicality. Find out if they take your insurance; if not, do their fees fit into your budget? Do they have openings that fit your schedule? Is their office nearby? Do they offer in-person or virtual services?

Do I feel comfortable talking with them? This is vital! Therapy can be life-changing, but if you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t get very far. It’s normal to feel awkward at first, but if you don’t feel comfortable after several sessions, you may want to try someone new.

Do I feel understood and validated? The relationship between you and your therapist is where all the magic happens. More than anything your therapist says or does, what will really bring change is when you feel seen, known, and accepted.  

Am I making progress? If you’re not seeing the change you want, have an open conversation with your therapist. Be willing to ask the hard questions about whether you are working on your goals and being open about barriers. If so, it may be time to transfer to a new therapist. 

Therapy is a wonderful investment in yourself. And similar to other investments, you want to take time to explore options and ask questions to assure that you end up with the best match. By doing so, you are ensuring you have the tools you need on your journey to wholeness!