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.
Frequently before people start counseling, they’ve considered just about everything else to adjust their lives. Nevertheless little or nothing has done the trick – certainly not for an extended time. As emotional discomfort turns to anguish, it’s not at all uncommon for people to ask themselves, “Why not try therapy? I have to do something to end 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.
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 any person can refer to themselves as a counselor, so finding an individual to work with on the basis of this title provides limited information about the person’s qualifications, education or background and hardly any protection if you receive inadequate service.
Titles, like marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist can only be used by people with the equivalent qualifications who’ve acquired specific education and training.
Furthermore, licensed mental health practitioners such as these should be members in good standing with their respective licensing bodies. Verifying this information will allow you to know something about the education and training the mental health provider has received and provide you some degree of protection in the event your receive poor or improper treatment.
That having been said, verifying a mental health practitioner’s license and qualifications doesn’t give very many details about their particular learning, competence and whether they’ll suit 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:
What age ranges do you work with?
What problems do you work with?
What type of training and skills have you acquired?
How many years have you been providing therapy?
Have you been in therapy yourself?
How do you work with people to help them get well?
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
Do you regularly update your instruction and education?
You needn’t ask all of these – particularly in an initial appointment when you require lots of time to talk yourself. But, do ask them. And rely on your sense of safety with the counselor in the initial appointment. One of the crucial determinants of effective therapy is the relationship or “bond” between you and your therapist. If you don’t feel at ease and safe with the counselor you’re using, it will be close to impossible for you to do the in-depth, revealing work required to heal and flourish.
Other than determining the qualifications, training, and capabilities of a counselor and exactly how comfortable and safe you are with them, the therapist should ask various questions about you and your circumstances. They too need to ensure there exists an acceptable match between your personality, expectations and goals and who they are and the services they provide.
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 counselor or psychotherapist that’s right for you, start out your research by asking a family doctor, clergy or any other qualified service providers you rely on 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.
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.
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