What questions to ask when meeting potential new Ts?

Unfortunately I'm in the position where I have to find a new T - I don't really want to talk about it right now, maybe I'll make a seperate post at some point - and I've put it off for over 4 months now, so it's definitely time. I NEED to do it, however much I don't want to.

I have some meetings set up for this week, but I don't really know what to ask once I'm in there. I didn't really have a choice with the previous two T's I've (briefly) seen - I either saw them, or nobody - so I'm feeling pretty stumped and I'd really appreciate some input from you all! I'm aware I could browse the web, but who better to ask than people that I know have been there, done that?

On a side note: I'm feeling embarrassed already that I'm going to have write the questions down and keep looking at them when I'm there, as I'm the kind of person that gets in a panic, and then has their mind go blank! Oh man, I'm really not looking forward to this! :P I just want old T... I'd pay anything and travel anywhere to see her if I could!

Hi BashfulBear - I am sorry you are faced with finding a new T, sounds like a difficult time for you.

I don't remember asking my T anything at all - he does remind me that for the first 6 months I hardly said a word, so maybe I really didn't ask anything.

I am contemplating a new T and I have done an internet search on him, to find out about his experience, approach etc.

I think the important things for me, are:

1. Can he provide regular sessions
2. What his experience is
3. What his approach is (this one is more cognitive / solution focused, think I will even get homework)
4. Will he accept contact between sessions (I am OK with it if he doesn't, but would want to know up front so I don't get it wrong)
5. Price

I really know that feeling of being blank and not knowing what to say - I remind myself that it is OK to be blank and anxious as that is why I am seeking a T. Even presidents and royalty use notes to assist them when they are talking.

Good luck in finding a T who you feel comfortable with, let us know how you get on - Soup

Ugh...interviewing T's is tough.
Here is a good article: How to find a good therapist
it helped me a lot.

Some important questions:

What is your approach to therapy?
How much experience do have dealing with ______? (your immediate issues)

What are your boundaries regarding contact in between sessions?
How difficult is it to schedule appointments?
Would I have a weekly standing appt or a floating one?

It is also good to make a list of things that have helped and things that have not helped previously in therapy and have that handy.

Welcome to PC...I hope this helps. Let us know how it goes!

Thank you so much for your responses, Soup and Wikid, I honestly didn't think I'd get any so I'm really happy!

Those are some useful questions for sure! As I've found the Ts on this site -> http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ <- I already know a bit about their training, qualifications and experience, areas of (supposed) expertise, and the therapies they offer, but I should definitely ask how they plan to work with me! I don't want to pay £40 (roughly $62) per session with both of us sat wondering what to do..

Contact is also another good one.. I've never had that option before! Would it be too upfront to come out and ask 'Where do you stand with regard to touch?'!? T2 didn't touch clients, and T1 did touch me, and then stopped once I revealed something, which was really hurtful! Thankfully I only saw T1 a handful of times though.

I'm also really relieved you don't think I'm silly for needing a list..

Good luck with your new T too, Soup - I really hope he works out well for you!

Also, thanks for the welcome, Wikid! I have posted a few times previously, but had to stop visiting and take care of all my responsibilities in the 'real world' *sigh* Hopefully I can stay longer this time.. I need to get better!

Yes I think touch is a great question (shall put that on my list) - I have never let my current T touch me - but I can see it is really useful to know their boundaries.

Take care - Soup

I think having a list like that is really sensible. As you say, therapy ain't cheap, so making sure you waste as little of that expensive time as possible makes a lot of sense. That being said, I'm too backward to dare ask any questions about how the therapy is going to work, or their preferred methods or things like that. One thing I have asked concerns the journals they keep - how they are physically kept, who has access to them (nobody except T and me, I should hope!) and how long they keep them after I finish therapy.

I hope you'll stick around, BashfulBear - it's good to have people from this side of the Atlantic around (no offence meant to all the lovely USAnians, it's just that you're always asleep until the early afternoon! )

Thanks for your response!

Haha, don't worry about not having really asked questions before - I haven't either! T2 did ask me if I had any questions for her - caught me completely off guard - to which I uhhmed and ahhed, before simply saying 'no'. I think she was pretty shocked that I didn't have anything to ask, but for some reason she also found it pretty amusing. We just dealt with confidentiality and any other questions as they arose in later sessions.

IF I'm feeling particularly gutsy I might come out and ask 'Why do you feel you could help me specifically, what qualifies you to be my therapist?' but we'll see. Eep!

I hope so too! I'm sure they'll understand, haha! I was super excited when I first joined here and found someone who lived under an hour away from me - *most* of the friends I make online do seem to be from the good old US of A!

A list is a good thing.

What is your experience and training with (the issue)

How long do you typically see clients with (the above issue) < This sometimes gives a good idea if this is the type of T that is more short term or willing to be long term

Do you attend a consultation group? If so, how is my confidentiality maintained? If not, who do you collaborate with if needed on different cases?

What does scheduling sessions look like? Do I have a standing weekly appointment, or is schedule as we go?

What is your cancelation policy and fees associated?

How are cancelations on your part handled? (if the T is sick, etc)

What is protocal for if a client is in crisis? (crisis line, on call therapist, etc)

Is inbetween contact ok and what are its limitations? (phone calls only, expect 24-48 hour response time, email or not, etc)

What are your business hours and does your voicemail reflect when you are out of the office?