Do’s and Don’ts of a Therapy Consultation
So you’re ready to give therapy a try, but you’re not quite sure where to begin. Choosing a clinic and a therapist seems overwhelming. How do you know if a complete stranger is the right person to share all your deepest concerns with? What if your personalities don’t blend well? What if you want a specific set of outcomes, and you don’t know if the therapist has the experience to help you get there? What if you waste money on jumping from one therapist to the next in an effort to fight the right fit?
We get it! Choosing a therapist is a big decision. While we feel confident that all of the therapists at The Healing Group are fantastic, it is important to work with someone that you feel comfortable with. In fact, did you know the biggest predictor of success in therapy is the quality of the therapeutic relationship? Finding someone you trust is important.
Some clients find it useful to engage in a brief consultation with a new therapist before booking an intake session. While this is certainly not a requirement for successful therapy, it may provide some peace of mind as you’re “shopping around”. It’s important to understand the why and how of a consultation, and how it can help guide your decision. Let’s dive in!
The Purpose Of A Therapy Consultation
A consultation is designed to be brief, as in 10-15 minutes, and is usually conducted over the phone. It’s important to note that a consultation is NOT considered the beginning of therapy. Rather than starting a deep dive into the issues you want to work on in therapy, consultations are for a high-level overview to get to know each other and make sure your desired outcomes and personalities align.
What To Talk About During A Therapy Consultation
During a therapy consultation, the therapist may ask you a few questions. Some examples might be:
Have you been in therapy before?
What do you hope to get out of therapy?
Is there something in particular that you would like or feel you need in a therapist?
Don’t be afraid to answer honestly! Being clear in your expectations will help the two of you determine if it’s the right fit.
The consultation is also the time for you to ask the therapist questions as well! You likely won’t have time to go over more than a few questions, so make sure you come prepared with what you want to ask. Examples of questions you could ask are:
What is your specialization or areas of expertise?
How many years of experience do you have as a therapist?
What is your general approach to therapy? What therapeutic techniques do you typically use?
How do you measure progress in therapy? How do clients feel after working with you?
How do you handle emergencies or crises?
How do you provide feedback to clients?
What should I do if I don’t feel like I’m making progress?
What are your strengths as a therapist? What are your limitations?
What issues do you most commonly work with in your sessions?
What could I expect during a typical therapy session with you?
What NOT To Do During A Therapy Consultation
A consultation is just that — a consultation. Therapists understand that you are seeking therapy for a myriad of reasons, some of them likely complicated and painful. However, a 15 minute conversation is pretty brief, and unfortunately there is not time to dive into detailed childhood timelines.
A consultation is not therapy. The therapist will not be able to provide treatment during a 10-15 minute conversation. So, if you are eager to dive in from the very beginning, go ahead and set up an intake appointment instead! Your therapist would be happy to join you in beginning your therapeutic journey.
If you are ready to meet with a specialized therapist, give us a call! You can reach our front desk (call or text!) at 801-305-3171.
