Depression Therapy Blog

If you’ve been in therapy previously, you probably know it’s a life-changing process. If you never have, you may not know the things to look for in a therapist or counselor. Either way, you might not know what questions to ask a prospective counselor.

Often before people begin therapy, they’ve tried just about everything else to make changes in their lives. But nothing has worked – at least not for very long. As the emotional discomfort turns to anguish, it’s not uncommon for people to ask themselves, “Why not try therapy? I have to do something to stop the pain.”

Sadly, any time we’re suffering a lot, we often don’t think well, and numerous people turn to counseling and psychotherapy (be it for individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, or family counseling) without questioning the potential counselor.

However, there is more to choosing a counselor than picking up a phone and making an appointment.

Asking the Right Questions

Almost anyone can call themselves a counselor, so choosing someone to work with based on this title offers no clues about the person’s credentials, schooling or integrity and almost no protection in the event you receive substandard service.

Titles along the lines of marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist are only allowed to be used by professionals with the matching qualifications who’ve acquired specialized education and instruction.

Furthermore, licensed mental health practitioners such as these ought to be members in good standing with their respective licensing entities. Verifying this information will let you know a little about the degree and preparation the mental health practitioner has gained and gives you some amount of safety in the event that you experience sub-standard or inappropriate treatment.

Yet, verifying a mental health professional’s license and credentials doesn’t give you a great deal of information regarding their specialized learning, experience and whether they’ll be able to meet your needs.

The only way you can learn if a therapist or counselor is able to deliver the assistance you need is by asking them questions, such as:

Which age groups do you work with?

What problems do you work with?

What kind of education and training have you had?

How many years have you been practicing?

Have you been in therapy?

How do you work with clients to help them heal?

Are you a member of any professional organizations?

Do you update your instruction and training?

You needn’t ask every one of these – especially in an initial appointment when you need lots of time to talk yourself. But do ask them. And trust your impression of safety with the psychotherapist in the initial session. Perhaps the most significant determinant of effective counseling is the bond or “fit” between both you and your psychotherapist. Unless you feel relaxed and safe with your psychotherapist, it will be practically impossible for you to do the deep, insightful work needed to heal and thrive.

Beyond determining the credentials, experience, and expertise of the counselor and how comfortable and safe you feel with them, the therapist should ask several questions about you and your situation. They too should make sure there is a reasonable match between your personality, needs and goals and who they are and the services they offer.

The counselor will need to question you about what brings you to counseling, as well as about your family members and general past. They will also ask questions regarding your childhood, schooling, interpersonal relationships, intimate relationships, vocation and present circumstances.

Keep in mind, even the best counselors aren’t the best for everyone, and no therapist can effectively treat anything and everything. When you’re looking for a therapist, ask for an example of an issue that is beyond the scope of their practice, or that they are insufficiently trained to treat. If they can’t or won’t answer, you’ve just eliminated a possibility. All therapists should be willing to refer you to other providers upon request.

Where to Begin Your Search

To identify a therapist or counselor suited to you, start off your research by asking a doctor, local clergy or some other professionals you trust for referrals.

You can even ask trusted friends or family, or you can browse the Internet for counselors near you. Just remember, a first-class advertisement or website doesn’t make a counselor experienced or suitable. Ask the counselor about their credentials and experience directly, regardless of whether you obtain a recommendation from a reliable person.

Similar to determining any professional to work with, doing due diligence and making a thorough assessment about whom to use will increase the chance that therapy will meet your needs and allow you to achieve your objectives. You shouldn’t be self-conscious or frightened to ask point-blank questions… After all, your future health, well-being and happiness is at stake!

Mark Tinley is a counselor and therapist in Pasadena, CA, where he specializes in providing therapy and counseling services.