[growlithing]

What do I say in an email to a potential new T? Do I say my name, what I do, and what kind of therapist I'm interested in, and ask if there is a way for us to talk to figure out if we click? Or do I ask more questions up front?

[archipelago]

Hmm. I've never used emails to communicate to therapists. I've always used phone messages, which have to be short. For me it is important to know their approach. If they say "eclectic" I ask them to spell it out more. I also want to get a feel for their interpersonal style. I can't work with people who are too formal or uptight so that is not something I would ask or say but something I'd be looking at. Why do it by email instead by phone? With the phone you can hear their voice and tone and hear pauses. It gives you a better sense of how they are "in person" than writing.

[Parley]

I kept it to the basics. I wanted to know if they were accepting new clients and was wondering if we could meet. I gave my name and number. The one I am with now emailed me her phone number and then I had to leave a message.

She called me back to talk for a few minutes before we decided to meet.

I waited for the phone call before going into details because I didn't know if she would respond to the email.

[anilam]

So glad to hear your gonna give TT a chance.
Well, I did use mail for 1st contacts when T shopping.
Said what I wanted (2xweek psychodynamic therapy), who I was (age, gender, education, occupation), my availability throughout the week and asked them whether they can accommodate me or not. If yes, I asked for a meet and greet session for free (I decided to pay out of pocket, therapy is free in my country but you have it on your inc. record available to potential employers, so many ppl rather pay:/).
On the 1st session we discussed his terms, my terms... I went just to get a feel about the T in question. No truly personal info about me. I'm very guarded person, it's up to you what you feel like sharing. Good luck

[scorpiosis37]

I would say:
-my name
-what I do
-what i want to work on (ie trauma, self care, depression, etc)
-how often (ie once a week)
-what is your approach?
-can we meet or talk on the phone to see if we might be a good fit? Do you offer a free consultation?

[blur]

i would also ask what their fee is or if they have a sliding scale if that is something you'd want. oh, and if they take your insurance.

also, i'd very briefly & generally mention what you want to work on (e.g. childhood abuse) and ask how they would treat that and what their approach is. (e.g. are they going to use EMDR? primarily talk therapy? exposure therapy? CBT? etc.) also, how much experience they have treating that issue. that tends to be key as the more experience treating your specific issue the better.

if you have questions about between session contact (email, text, etc) then ask about that too if it is something important for you to have.

good luck growli!

[growlithing]

I was thinking about my name, gender, age, status in school and major. Saying I need a t experienced in trauma. Then asking about insurance and if we could schedule a time to talk over the phone or meet up for free to get a feel for things.

[blur]

growli, that sounds great. i don't think you need to tell them your major, gender or age unless you want to. saying your name and you are in college is probably enough and then the bit about trauma & insurance and how to schedule a time. you're doing great.

[msxyz]

Originally Posted by archipelago

Hmm. I've never used emails to communicate to therapists. I've always used phone messages, which have to be short. For me it is important to know their approach. If they say "eclectic" I ask them to spell it out more. I also want to get a feel for their interpersonal style. I can't work with people who are too formal or uptight so that is not something I would ask or say but something I'd be looking at. Why do it by email instead by phone? With the phone you can hear their voice and tone and hear pauses. It gives you a better sense of how they are "in person" than writing.

I screened them out by email first,too, and then went for an in person meet and greet. Worked for me.

[msxyz]

Originally Posted by growlithing

I was thinking about my name, gender, age, status in school and major. Saying I need a t experienced in trauma. Then asking about insurance and if we could schedule a time to talk over the phone or meet up for free to get a feel for things.

I think telling them your major is unnecessary, but the rest sounds great. Good luck.

[growlithing]

Originally Posted by Akama

I think telling them your major is unnecessary, but the rest sounds great. Good luck.

Well my major is music and it is the basic core of how I define myself and see the world. Some T's like to know if they are working with arts students. Idk it says so on their stuff.

[A Red Panda]

If you're comfortable sharing that right away, then go for it! It won't cause any harm.

Your ideas of what to include sound great growli! I'm really proud of you for drafting out an email!

[sweepy62]

That's great, I hope you find a good fit. I'm gonna say something risking you might not like, so apologies ,if I'm wrong . I'm thinking you are making a great effort, but knowing you and your patterns, not judging or blaming you, there will be something in those email replies that you will dislike, and not want to give it a chance.

If I am wrong then I apologize , also the email may lead to a phone call.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[growlithing]

I emailed 7. We'll see what happens.