What Questions Should I Ask a Potential Therapist?

**The problem:** You've found some therapist options and you're not sure how to evaluate them or what to ask in an initial consultation. **The answer:** A few direct questions will tell you almost everything: **About fit and approach:** - *"What's your general approach to therapy, and what would our sessions typically look like?"* - *"Have you worked much with men, specifically around [whatever your issue is — work stress, relationships, depression]?"* - *"How do you measure whether therapy is working?"* **About practicalities:** - *"What are your fees, and do you offer a sliding scale?"* - *"What's your cancellation policy?"* - *"Do you offer online sessions?"* **The one that tells you most:** - *"How do you typically handle it when a client feels stuck or doesn't think therapy is working?"* A good therapist will answer these directly, without defensiveness. Their willingness to be questioned is itself a signal about what the working relationship will be like. You're hiring someone to do a job. Asking questions is expected and appropriate.