What Questions Should I Ask a Potential Therapist?
You've found some therapist options and aren't sure how to evaluate them. A few direct questions tell you almost everything you need to know.
**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 fit and approach:** - *"What's your general approach to therapy, and what would our sessions typically look like?
**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.