Friday, February 25, 2011

Hiring a Therapist- 4 questions to ask

Seeking out therapy takes courage but it also requires time, effort and money. If you're thinking about making an investment in counseling  make sure you do your homework. Here are some good questions to ask potential therapists:
1. What is your training/background. What theoretical approach do you use in treating clients?
2. Please tell me about the treatment process. How would a treatment plan be developed?
3. When can I expect to feel better? When will my relationship improve?
4. How long will I need to be in treatment?

Keep in mind that a therapist may not be able to answer these questions with exact answers but knowing good questions can lead to a quality conversation and a glimpse into how a potential therapist communicates. Quality therapists will be happy to discuss the treatment process and offer at least an outline of how the process works. A good therapist will also take the time to talk to you and make sure you feel comfortable asking questions or sharing concerns.

Most importantly, as a client, you should take an active role in your treatment! As a final note, remember that a good therapist will initiate regular progress discussions and provide honest feedback but you are also responsible for sharing concerns, asking questions and assessing progress. Best wishes.

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