Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Therapist
When choosing a therapist, you should be given an opportunity for a brief informal phone call (around 15 minutes or so) to see if you are a good fit for one another. There are a handful of questions that may be helpful to ask to see if the therapeutic relationship is a match. Below are some questions that can assist you in “interviewing” therapists before deciding on moving forward with someone.
What is working with you like? What is your style?
How do you know if a client is reaching their goals?
What are some of the common issues you treat?
Do you have a theoretical lens you work from?
I am part of ______ community. Is this something you are familiar with?
Do you prefer to take the lead, or have me take the lead?
Do you have experience working with people who are new to therapy? How about people who are changing therapists?
Are you a faith-based provider?
How do you feel about recreational drug use?
Do you have experience with people who have similar concerns to mine?
What is your ideal client like?
How often would you anticipate seeing me? For how long?
How do we set up therapy goals?
Do you assign homework/tasks for outside of session?
How should I prepare for our first session?
Are you open to communicating outside of our sessions?