Can I interview my therapist?
Do you know that you can interview the therapist during a consultation, or even during the first session? Some clients think that it's awkward to put themselves in that position, but I find it to be very fruitful for the connection to thrive. The client must be willing to consider therapy as a beneficial option.
The client should have as much control over the process as possible. At times, when I ask if they have any questions for me, they often don't. As confident as I am as a therapist, it's also essential for me to recognize that there can be a lot of uncertainty about the process, and they need support in working through some of their feelings.
Think about how helpful it is to get the thoughts out of your head and into the open when it comes to therapy. You’re already dealing with so much; that sometimes it takes being able to get a better gauge of the person you're taking with to feel a sense of relief. Therapists are here to help, but we’re human 24/7, so with that, it’s going to be important for both the therapist and client to be able to collaborate to ensure the goal is complete.
The feeling of interviewing a therapist can be awkward at first, but if you are seeking a service, you should receive everything you need throughout the process. Sometimes it can be challenging when trying to understand your needs and ensure that therapy is the right fit for you.
Numerous advantages favor the client when initiating the process, ensuring they are comfortable with the right decision. Some questions can be asked to help you determine whether the therapist is the right person for you.
Here are some traditional questions:
What kind of modality do you use when working with clients?
What do you feel makes a client feel like they are progressing in their goals?
How many sessions would I need based on my situation?
How do you typically work with someone who is dealing with anxiety or depression?
Do you take insurance?
Here are some unconventional questions:
What got you into the role of therapy? Why is it so important to you?
What are some of the populations you have worked with before? What made it special for you to support those individuals?
How do you connect with your clients, especially when they have some reservations at the beginning?
What are some of the lessons that therapy can teach you?
These are just a few examples of questions that can be asked. Please take a few minutes to write down some notes before the consultation to ensure you feel prepared. Based on your comfort level, the first session can also be a Q&A, where the therapist not only asks what brought you into therapy but also allows you to see the therapist's human side.
Remember, questions are good; so don't be afraid to get the transparency from the therapist, as they would ask you the same in return.
