Whoa, finding a therapist can be hard these days. While there are many therapist in the Seattle/King County area so many providers are booked! As I’ve been talking to potential clients so many of you are saying how frustrating and overwhelming it is to find a therapist that is available. Let alone a good fit.

A Therapist Right for You

Finding a therapist is kind of like dating. How do you know if they are the one? Many therapists like me offer a free consultation before scheduling. Why? Just like finding a friend or significant other, therapy is about connection and relationship. I want to make sure you are feeling confident you picked the right therapist. The “One” for you. Talking to a new person can be scary and overwhelming, especially if you have anxiety. This is why I put together a list of questions to you can ask at your next therapy consultation.

Questions to ask a Therapist

What is your appointment availability? Feel free to be specific about the days and times you need to schedule therapy.
What services do you offer and what are your fees? Are you interested in individual, group or couples counseling?
Do you take insurance or offer sliding scale? Figuring out if you can afford therapy is very important and necessary for a successful experience.
I need help with ____ concerns, what is your experience treating this? You don’t have to know exactly what’s happening for you. Do your best to describe how you’ve been feeling and how its affecting your life.
How frequently do you see clients? Some therapists see clients weekly, some can schedule every couple weeks. Everyone is different– what works best for you?
What is a typical session like? This can vary a lot depending on the therapist. Some are open to whatever you want to discuss, some are more structured towards specific treatment goals.
What types of therapy are you trained in and how can they help me? I definitely recommend doing a bit of research on types of therapy such as visiting a site like goodtherapy.com. There is a lot of jargon in psychology, make sure the therapist explains it well and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
How do you interact with your clients? This will help you understand how they relate to you. Do you want someone who sits back and listens or do you want your relationship to be more conversational?
How should I prepare for our sessions? Do they ask clients to do therapy tasks between sessions, like reading or journaling? This is a good question to clarify what is expected of you in therapy and whether it is something that matches your interests.
Do you set specific therapy goals with your clients? Some clients just want to talk and some clients want to meet specific goals. Its great to think about what you want out of therapy.

I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Seattle/King County. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (844) 733-5262 (Toll Free) for a free phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety, OCD or panic, you can read more about how I can help in my Services page.