[alimak]

What are some questions you ask during your interview with a new T to see if they have what you are looking for in a T?

Some questions I ask:

Tell me a little about yourself.

Why did you choose to go into the field?

Tell me about your experience of working with individuals diagnosed with PTSD?

What do you believe are some of the challenges facing SA survivors?

Tell me about a difficult client that you have had and how you handled the situation.

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Any other questions you'll like to add?

Honestly, I never interviewed new T's. I just went in and we started conversing. I communicated why I thought I was there and paid attention to how the therapist responded, interacted, and perceived me. I never asked them any of those kinds of questions. Based on how I felt about that interaction (which for me was closer to what would actually go on in a session than an "interview"), I decided how to proceed. Most I gave another session or maybe two, but if it didn't feel like they "got" me and what made me tick, I didn't continue much beyond a couple of sessions. With the therapists I stuck with long term, I left the very first session feeling they did "get" me right away. That didn't mean they had me all figured out, but something they had said pointed to them recognizing something about me that was pretty insightful and felt accurately targeted. I felt a comfort level with them that we'd be able to work together and that they showed the insight to get to my needs and issues directly. Some people prefer a more formal "interview," but for me, that doesn't really tell me anything about the dynamic I will find interpersonally with a therapist. It just feels to stilted and unnatural.

[stopdog]

I only ask if they have seen a therapist themselves and what they think the rules are = if I disagree with what they see the rules as being - I don't go back. I tell them what I expect from them and if they disagree - I don't go back.

[catonyx]

I only asked if the fee could be reduced. Otherwise I don't think there is anything specific I needed to ask that would impact my therapy.

[Seeking_Peace]

My approach is similar to lolagrace. I never "interviewed" my T. I found T on PsychologyToday and b/t that site and T's personal site, I had all the info. I needed. I knew his educational background/training, how long he has been practicing, what he specializes in, and his policies (T has all his written policies posted on his site regarding contacting him during criss, cancellation, session fees, confidentiality rules etc.).

When I first met him, our conversation started off with me describing why I was there and it flowed naturally. T stated an observation during our first session which led to believe that he was paying attention and understanding what I was trying to tell him indirectly. By the end of that 50 minutes, I felt comfortable with him and felt that we would be a good match. He didn't get me 100% but based on his questions/comments and general attitude, I felt that with time, he would get me.