Important Questions to ask a New Counselor
As a result of recognizing that stress, overwhelm and anxiety have taken their toll, you’ve made the decision to begin therapy. You’ve found some prospective anxiety counselors in Spokane that seem promising based upon their websites and headshots. The hard work is over, right?!? Almost, but not quite…
Click here if you’re struggling to locate an anxiety therapist in Spokane, WA
Now, it’s time to see which therapist is the best fit for you! In order to do this, I recommend scheduling a telephone consultation with all of the therapists you are considering beginning services with.
This will be a 10-15 minute telephone conversation where you are able to ask questions and get a better feel for therapy with this specific counselor. This vitally important step allows you (and the new therapist) to begin the processing of building a therapeutic relationship.
The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship
The connection between the client and the counselor is called the therapeutic relationship. It has been demonstrated in multiple research studies, that this relationship is the highest predictor of positive therapy outcomes.
This means that the relationship you have with your therapist is more important than where they went to grad school or what therapy techniques they use! Now, I’m not saying those factors aren’t important, they just aren’t the most important for you reaching your goals.
But…. What should you ask during a telephone consultation? What is appropriate? What will help you make the best decision of which counselor to move forward with?
12 Questions to Ask a New Anxiety Therapist in Spokane, WA
Below are a list of questions to consider asking during your consultation call with a new counselor:
“I’m seeking help for _______. What is your experience with this?”
“What approach do you commonly use for people struggling with _____?”
“How long have you been a therapist?”
“How will you maintain my confidentiality?”
“How long are appointments and how often will we meet?”
“What is the cost per session?”
“Do you offer in-person, virtual or a combo of session types?”
“How will we measure progress? How will we know therapy is helping?”
“How long will counseling last? When might I begin to see benefits?”
“What are your policies regarding cancelations and no-shows?”
“What can I do to help myself succeed?”
“What are the next steps?”
Remember, you are under no obligation to book an appointment at the conclusion of the telephone consultation. It’s ok to take a pause and think about the conversation you’ve had. Beginning therapy is a big step. You deserve the best possible care available, which means finding the right counselor for you.
Feeling stuck?
As always, if you are still feeling stuck, feel free to fill out this form to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what’s going on for you and help direct you to the right person. If you’re looking for help with stress, overwhelm and anxiety, you can read more about how I can help here.
