Questions to Ask a Prospective Therapist or Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
Now that you’ve gone through the process of scouring the internet to find a handful of therapists in Phoenix that feel welcoming and approachable, you may be a bit taken aback that all of them follow up with setting up a consultation. Being new to the process of finding a therapist, the prospect of a consultation may feel overwhelming to you. You might feel unsure of what to expect, how little or how much you should share, and which questions you should ask to best evaluate your therapist to ensure they are the right fit for you. If you find yourself feeling this way, I aim to provide you with a general guideline of questions to ask that can help you figure out whether the therapist you are speaking with is a good fit for you and vice versa.
Questions to Ask a Therapist in Phoenix, AZ
When interviewing a therapist, you should first ensure that they are qualified to help you with your needs. You may want to start by identifying acronyms such as LMFT, LCSW, PhD, or PsyD next to a therapist’s name. These acronyms suggest that the individual is licensed, which implies both that they have the credentials to help you, and that they are more experienced in their field. Here are some questions to get you started:
“ How long have you been practicing therapy? ”
“ Are there any topics or struggles that you specialize in? ”
“ Have you had experience with clients who have dealt with similar challenges to my own?”
“ Have you worked with clients from diverse backgrounds? ”
Diving deeper into these topics will help you see if their qualifications are more appropriate for your individual needs.
“So how can I tell if the therapist is a right fit for me?”
After assessing their qualifications, you may want to dig even deeper into the approaches they use to help their client. Asking them directly will help you get a better understanding of how their sessions are structured, which will give insight on what you might expect if you work with this therapist. Some follow up questions that may help you identify whether or not their approach will be supportive to your needs are:
“ What type of therapeutic approach do you use to help your clients? ”
“ In what ways do you alter your approach based on the individual needs of each client?”
“ What are the typical outcomes of clients that face similar challenges to mine when working with you? “
“ How do you navigate setbacks or challenges that arise during a therapy session? “
Since every individual is different, it is not only important for you to confirm that the therapist you are speaking with resonates with the goals you have in place for yourself and is adaptable enough to tailor their approach to accommodate to your needs, personality, and preferences, but also that you feel a sense of security in the therapist’s effectiveness and ability to address the challenges you may face in a constructive and supportive way. Asking these questions may allow you to feel more comfortable and confident in your decision.
Other things to consider before starting therapy
Although it is very important to ensure that a therapist is compatible with your unique personality and communication style, it is equally important that they are a viable option for you financially and logistically as well. Before your consultation ends, here are a couple questions that might help:
“ What are your rates?”
“ What does your availability look like for scheduling appointments? “
“ How long do your sessions typically last, and how frequently would you recommend scheduling them? “
“ Are there in-person and virtual options for your sessions? “
“ What is your policy regarding cancellations? “
These questions will help you assess if the therapist is within your desired budget, and if the times they offer sessions align with your schedule and can be effectively woven into your routine. Therapy should not feel like a hassle or burden to you!
“This is a lot of information think about!”
Whew, that was a whirlwind of information! It is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the time, effort, and emotional energy that goes into searching for a therapist. However, it is important to recognize the strength and courage it takes to seek help as a means to better yourself and grow. Despite the difficulty of finding a therapist, the level of guidance and support that can be provided by a therapist who understands and empathizes with you can be extremely rewarding, and this invaluable resource can play a major role in overcoming the challenges you face.
Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and that your dedication to finding a therapist in Phoenix that best connects with you demonstrates your resilience and perseverance in prioritizing your mental health.
If you’d like to ask me some of these questions or would just like to know more about what it would be like to work with me, you can click below or call (480) 463-4015 to schedule that free 15 minute consultation.
