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."
Alas, whenever we're hurting significantly, we often don't think clearly, and numerous people turn to counseling and therapy (be it for individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, or family counseling) without questioning the prospective counselor.
But nevertheless, there is significantly more to picking a mental health professional than picking up a phone and making an appointment.
Asking the Right Questions
Almost anyone may call himself or herself a counselor, so choosing someone to work with on the basis of this title offers little insight into the person's credentials, training or credibility and almost no protection should you receive poor 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.
Moreover, licensed mental health professionals such as these ought to be members in good standing with their associated licensing entities. Verifying a license will allow you to discover something concerning the instruction and training the mental health professional has gone through and gives you some degree of safety should you receive inadequate 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 know if a counselor or therapist is qualified to provide you the services you need is to ask them direct questions, such as:
What age ranges do you treat?
What problems do you work with?
What kind of education and training have you had?
How long have you been providing therapy?
Have you been in therapy?
How do you work with clients that helps them get better?
Do you participate in any professional groups?
Do you update your education 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 ascertaining the credentials, training, and competencies of a therapist and how relaxed and secure you are using them, the therapist will want to ask several questions regarding you and your situation. They too need to ensure there is a good match relating your personality, expectations and aims with who they are and the treatments they provide.
The therapist is likely to ask you what brings you to counseling, as well as about your family and overall background. They will often also inquire about your childhood, schooling, social relationships, intimate partnerships, professional and current 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 Start Your Search
To find a counselor or therapist that's right for you, start your search by asking your physician, clergy or other professional service providers you trust for referrals.
You may also ask trusted friends or family, or you can search the Internet for counselors in your area. But be aware, an exceptional ad or Web page isn't going to make a therapist skilled or experienced. Ask the therapist about their education and expertise directly, regardless of whether you obtain a recommendation from a reliable source.
As with selecting any service provider, doing due diligence and making an informed determination about whom to use increases the likelihood that counseling will be effective and allow you to achieve your objectives. Don't be self-conscious or scared to ask direct questions... After all, this can be about your health, well-being and future happiness!
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."
Alas, whenever we're hurting significantly, we often don't think clearly, and numerous people turn to counseling and therapy (be it for individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, or family counseling) without questioning the prospective counselor.
But nevertheless, there is significantly more to picking a mental health professional than picking up a phone and making an appointment.
Asking the Right Questions
Almost anyone may call himself or herself a counselor, so choosing someone to work with on the basis of this title offers little insight into the person's credentials, training or credibility and almost no protection should you receive poor 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.
Moreover, licensed mental health professionals such as these ought to be members in good standing with their associated licensing entities. Verifying a license will allow you to discover something concerning the instruction and training the mental health professional has gone through and gives you some degree of safety should you receive inadequate 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 know if a counselor or therapist is qualified to provide you the services you need is to ask them direct questions, such as:
What age ranges do you treat?
What problems do you work with?
What kind of education and training have you had?
How long have you been providing therapy?
Have you been in therapy?
How do you work with clients that helps them get better?
Do you participate in any professional groups?
Do you update your education 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 ascertaining the credentials, training, and competencies of a therapist and how relaxed and secure you are using them, the therapist will want to ask several questions regarding you and your situation. They too need to ensure there is a good match relating your personality, expectations and aims with who they are and the treatments they provide.
The therapist is likely to ask you what brings you to counseling, as well as about your family and overall background. They will often also inquire about your childhood, schooling, social relationships, intimate partnerships, professional and current 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 Start Your Search
To find a counselor or therapist that's right for you, start your search by asking your physician, clergy or other professional service providers you trust for referrals.
You may also ask trusted friends or family, or you can search the Internet for counselors in your area. But be aware, an exceptional ad or Web page isn't going to make a therapist skilled or experienced. Ask the therapist about their education and expertise directly, regardless of whether you obtain a recommendation from a reliable source.
As with selecting any service provider, doing due diligence and making an informed determination about whom to use increases the likelihood that counseling will be effective and allow you to achieve your objectives. Don't be self-conscious or scared to ask direct questions... After all, this can be about your health, well-being and future happiness!
About the Author:
Mark Tinley is a counselor and therapist in Pasadena, CA, where he specializes in providing therapy and counseling services.
