Hi Standup2me,

I think you have a great start/introduction.

Blue has also written a good intro with the points you'd mentioned.

I might also add:

Which types of therapy do you offer?
Do you see any obstacles to our working together?

You want to be sure the therapist has the type of training which is most helpful to your needs. For instance, someone with PTSD truly needs a therapist trained in PTSD, or in "trauma."

Let's set our goals for working together!
Setting some goals and defining some mutual expectations can be very helpful.

Some therapists remain goal-oriented on their own, which can be very helpful. Some get a bit more lazy and tend to waffle, which can feel like they are a bit apathetic; this is not helpful to a client's sense of self-esteem or worthiness. By asking to set some goals, you are showing your desire to do some work and are also setting some expectations on the entire process.

Nothing worse than attending sessions, paying lots of money and feeling the therapist is apathetic, has lost direction in guiding therapy, etc.

You may interview the therapist, as well. It's a two-way street.

How soon do you go for your first appointment?

Best wishes with this. I hope you meet up with a very helpful therapist.


WC