5 Questions To Ask A Therapist In Houston Before Starting Counseling

You’ve spent several hours scouring the internet and you think you’ve narrowed it down to a few therapists that you are curious about.

A lot of them mention words like depression or anxiety, but how do you know which one is right for you. What should you ask? What should you say? What is appropriate?

Questions to ask a Therapist in Houston

It can be pretty intimidating to start. So here are a few suggestions:

Question #1: Do you have experience working with the issues I am looking for help with?

This question helps you connect your goals with the therapist’s expertise. Before calling, think about what motivated you to seek therapy, whether it’s anxiety, depression, life transitions, or relationship struggles. A good therapist will let you know if they’re trained to help with your specific concerns, and if not, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Question #2: What do typical therapy sessions look like?

If you’ve never done any counseling in the past, it may seem rather mysterious, or maybe you think counseling looks like something you’ve seen on TV : lying down on a couch while a therapist silently takes notes. In reality, therapy looks quite different. Most therapists will ask lots of questions and aim to learn about you and your situation to gain an understanding of how best they could help, and no, you don’t have to lie down.

Question #3: Do you have a specific approach or style that you utilize in therapy?

There are several types of therapeutic approaches out there, so many that a therapist can’t be trained in all of them, but most will utilize certain theories that they feel have worked best for them and their clients. Some theories that I utilize during counseling sessions are cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) or solution-focused brief therapy.

Question #4: How do I know if therapy is right for me?

My answer may be somewhat biased since I am a counselor, but in general, I believe most people can benefit from counseling at some point in their lives. Clients who find me are usually feeling stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed. Perhaps they have already sought the support of family and friends, and are looking for help outside of their regular support system. Therapy can provide an outside perspective, new coping strategies, and a safe space to talk through things you may not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere.

Question #5: Will what I share be kept confidential?

Your privacy is an important part of the counseling work I do and will not be shared with anyone without your consent. If using health insurance, your insurer can have access to records necessary to authorize payment. Because of this, some clients prefer to utilize self-pay. In addition, there are some limits to confidentiality if it involves safety issues regarding neglect, abuse, or harm to others or yourself that would need to be reported, or if subpoenaed by a court, I may be legally required to do so.

Finding the Right Therapist in Houston

Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming, but asking these kinds of questions makes the process much easier. Remember, you’re not just hiring someone with credentials, you’re finding the right fit for you.

If you are still feeling unsure, feel free to call me at (281)-858-3325 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to chat and answer some of your questions. If you are looking for help with anxiety or depression, you can read more about how I can help here.