What do I ask in a consultation call with a therapist?

So you’ve done the research, you read every bit of their website, and even searched for reviews. Now you have a 15 minute consultation call scheduled to see if they are are good fit.
Now what?
Here are some questions you can ask to get the most out of this quick call.

Experience

  • Do you have experience working with a person of similar struggles?

  • Do you have experience working with a person of my culture and/or background?

  • What are some of your strengths as a therapist?

  • What are some of your weaknesses as a therapist?

Processes

  • What is your approach to setting goals in therapy? How will we know it’s working?

  • How do you typically handle difficult situations or challenging clients?

  • What is your definition of a successful therapy experience?

  • What if, after a couple of sessions, I decide it’s not a good fit?

  • Have you ever terminated a therapeutic relationship due to poor fit? How did you handle this?

  • How will we decide when I don’t need therapy anymore?

  • How long does your average client work with you for?

Personality

  • What kinds of clients do you enjoy working with the most?

  • Based on what you know about me so far, do you believe we’re a good fit? Why or why not?

  • What are some things I should know before working with you?

  • What kind of hobbies do you enjoy?

Remember

While a connection is important, we aren’t looking for a new friend, we are looking for someone with the tools and skills that can help us reach our goals. Think of it like hiring a guide for a difficult hike. You’re not looking for someone to chat with along the way; you’re looking for someone who knows the path, can help you navigate tough spots, and make sure you’re progressing toward your destination.

Be mindful of the boundaries that come with the therapeutic relationship.

While it's okay to ask questions about a therapist's personality, it's important to avoid asking overly personal or intrusive questions. Likewise, what each therapist is willing to share may vary. 

Focus on questions that will help you determine if they are a good fit for you. 


The goal is to find a therapist who you feel comfortable chatting with, is comfortable in the conversation with you, and who you believe can help you achieve your goals. 

Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or further explanation. 


If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask! Sometimes how they handle this type of question is more valuable than the words themselves.

Trust your gut.

If you don't feel comfortable moving forward, or if you don't feel like they aren’t a good fit for you, it's okay to say No Thank You.

You could end the call by stating “I appreciate your time, I am looking for someone with X quality, so I think I will keep searching for a better fit.”