"Choosing A Therapist: Questions to Ask During A Phone Consultation" by Paige Taylor

Phone consultations can be intimidating, but as a client it is a great way to get a sense of what working with a therapist could look like. It can be especially helpful if you come prepared with questions that will help you identify if the therapist is a good fit for you based on their experience, the type of therapy that they practice, and their personality. You can personalize these questions to better fit your wants and needs from therapy, but here are some examples to help you get started.

Ten Questions Prospective Clients May Want to Ask During a Consultation Call

● Have you worked with what I am coming in for before?

● What can I expect a typical session to look like?

● How do you handle disagreement or conflict with clients?

● You can ask the therapist questions about themself to help you feel more comfortable,

such as: What are your hobbies? What do you like about your job?

● How do you schedule sessions and are you flexible to a changing schedule?

● What is your communication style?

● Do your values align with mine?

After meeting with a therapist for a consultation, it can be helpful to check in with yourself about how the call felt and if you would like to move forward. Some deciding factors will feel more clear such as therapist’s availability and if the type of therapy they offer aligns with what you are seeking. Other questions will be helpful for deciding if you have a good personality fit with the therapist, which is more important than you might think!

Questions Prospective Clients May Reflect on Themselves Following a Consultation Call

● Do I feel comfortable opening up to this therapist?

● Do I feel understood and respected by the therapist?

● Do I believe this therapist can effectively address my concerns?

● Does the therapist’s approach and style seem compatible with my needs?

● Do I have a good feeling about working with this therapist long-term?