Questions to Ask Your Therapist
Sometimes, when it comes to friends and family, it’s not always easy to be completely open about how you feel. The same goes for finding a therapist — if you don’t click with the first one, it’s absolutely okay to say no. You need to feel safe and comfortable to really speak your mind. The right therapist can make a real difference in your life, so it’s worth taking your time with the decision.
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time. Asking questions helps you understand what to expect and ensures you feel comfortable and informed. Below are some common questions clients find helpful to ask.
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How does therapy work?
This really depends on you. In humanistic therapy, we believe every person is unique. You bring what feels important to you, and you set the agenda — because you are the expert of your own life.
As your therapist, I’m the expert of the process. My role is to create a safe, containing space and to be alongside you as you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
You might want to ask your therapist what the first few sessions will be like, especially if you’re new to therapy. Most therapists will spend time getting to know you, understanding what you hope to get from therapy, and covering practical details to ensure your wellbeing.
If a therapist isn’t trained in an area you’d like to explore, they should let you know and may refer you to someone more suitable — this is a positive and ethical step made in your best interest.
Your therapist should also explain how they work and how progress is reviewed. Personally, I hold a review meeting around the 6-week mark to reflect on how things are going and to see what feels helpful (or not).
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What does the first session look like?
While everyone’s experience will be slightly different, the first session is usually an opportunity to:
- Explore what has brought you to therapy
- Discuss whether we feel we can work well together
- Talk about the kind of support you’re looking for — short-term or longer-term
We will co-create our working agreement together. I won’t tell you how we’ll work — everything is collaborative, so you feel comfortable and confident with the process. After the first session, there’s no obligation to continue.
➡️ Learn more about what to expect in your first session
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How long will therapy take?
There’s no set rule. Therapy can be short-term or long-term depending on what you wish to explore. You should never feel pressured to continue for a certain number of sessions — it’s entirely your choice how long you stay, and you can stop at any time.
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Practical questions to ask
It’s important to ask about:
- Confidentiality
- Qualifications and accreditation
- Costs, frequency, and cancellation policy
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7, Distinction) in Humanistic Counselling and Therapy. This was a rigorous training combining theory, placement experience, and experiential learning.
I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework. Please don’t feel awkward asking about this — it’s vital that your therapist is qualified and accredited, so you can feel safe as you explore deeply personal issues.
Most therapists work on a weekly basis at the same time and place, though there is often flexibility where needed. As well as working in Brighton and Hove, working in-person with clients from across Sussex, I also offer online and telephone sessions.
➡️ Visit my FAQs for more practical details (Scroll down to the bottom)
If you’d like to learn more or arrange an initial session, please get in touch.