Questions to ask when looking for a therapist

How to choose a therapist who will be the right fit for you

It can be difficult to find the right therapist or understand the differences between different approaches and qualifications. Asking thoughtful questions during an initial consultation can help you understand whether a therapist is the right fit for you.

1. Questions About the Therapist’s Approach and Style

Understanding how a therapist works can help you imagine what therapy with them might feel like.

• “What therapeutic approaches do you use?”

Some therapists draw from several evidence-based modalities, while others focus on one specific therapeutic approach. Your therapist should be able to explain to you in a clear and understandable way how they work and the approaches that they most frequently draw on.

• “What can I expect sessions to be like?”

Therapy can be structured, exploratory, reflective, or skills-based. This question helps you picture what it’s like to sit in the room with them.

2. Questions About Experience and Professional Background

These aren’t about “testing” the therapist, but about learning more about them.

• “What kinds of clients or concerns do you work with most often?”

Throughout their career, therapists might have developed expertise in certain populations or problems. It’s useful for you to know whether they can be helpful with concerns similar to yours.

• “What training or qualifications do you have?”

It’s important to know that the therapist has the right training or qualifications. It's helpful to know the therapist’s educational path, continuing training, and professional values.

• “Do you work under supervision?”

Supervision is standard practice in ethical therapy. It means your therapist has a space where they consult with an experienced professional about their work (confidentially). This helps ensure good care. A therapist who speaks openly about supervision is usually one who takes their work seriously.

3. Questions About Boundaries and Confidentiality

Trust is the foundation of therapy.

• “Are our sessions kept confidential?”

Therapists should clearly and compassionately explain the ethical and legal boundaries.

• “What are your professional boundaries?”

Therapists may explain their boundaries around communication outside sessions, social media policies, lateness, cancellations, etc. Clear boundaries create a safer, more predictable therapeutic space.

4. Questions About Logistics and Practicalities

If your therapist has not already explained how the practicalities of their work, you might want to ask questions like:

• “What is the cost and length of sessions?”

• “What is your cancellation policy?”

• “Do you offer online sessions?”

• “What availability do you have?”

5. Questions About Goals and the Long-Term Journey

• “How do you like to set therapy goals?”

Goals should be created together rather than imposed by the therapist or anyone else. It’s important to find a therapist who will help you set clear and achievable goals.

• “What happens if I become very emotional during a session?”

Therapy often brings up strong emotions. You want someone who feels calm and confident supporting you through them.

• “What happens when we decide it’s time to end therapy?”

It’s important to start thinking about the end of therapy well in advance of the actual ending. Endings are a natural life event, and it’s important for therapy to provide a good ending experience. A thoughtful ending process can help you consolidate what you’ve learned and step forward with confidence.