Therapy as a Dance – 12 Questions to ask before choosing your Dance Partner
Embarking on the journey of therapy is much like preparing for a dance. The harmony between you and your therapist is crucial for a transformative experience. In a world where so few seek therapy, often due to fears and apprehensions, finding the right therapist becomes a delicate dance—an artful process of selecting a partner who understands your rhythm and contributes to your mental well-being.
Just as in dance, the choice of a therapist involves research and understanding. To help guide you through this delicate dance, consider asking these 12 fundamental questions before taking that first step onto the metaphorical dance floor.
It’s essential to choose a therapist who is not only well-trained but also totally professional, ethical, respectful, and understands you without judgment. Your therapist should genuinely care about your well-being, creating a safe and supportive space for your personal dance of healing and self-discovery.
- How long have you been practising?
- Understanding a therapist’s experience helps gauge their expertise and familiarity with diverse situations.
- What licences and certifications do you hold, and which professional organisations do you belong to?
- Credentials provide assurance of a therapist’s qualifications and commitment to ethical standards.
- What is your fee structure, including whether the therapist takes insurance, and what is the cancellation policy?
- Openly discussing financial aspects ensures a transparent understanding of the cost of therapy, including any cancellation policies.
- How many clients have you worked with in situations similar to mine, and when was the last time you dealt with a case like mine?
- Experience with cases similar to yours demonstrates a therapist’s ability to address specific concerns.
- What are your strengths and limitations as a counsellor?
- Knowing a therapist’s strengths and limitations helps you align expectations and preferences.
- What modalities or therapies are you specialised in, and what is your general philosophy and approach to therapy—are you more directive or guiding?
- Understanding a therapist’s specialisation provides insight into the techniques they use, and their approach helps you determine compatibility with your preferred style.
- How often do you seek peer consultation, supervision, or therapy yourself?
- Insight into a therapist’s commitment to ongoing professional development and personal growth reflects their dedication to providing effective therapy.
- What type of therapy do you recommend for my condition, and what would a typical session look like? If I am already on medication, do I really need to see you for therapy too?
- Gaining insight into the recommended therapy for your condition, the structure of a typical session, and the necessity of therapy alongside medication provides a comprehensive understanding of the treatment approach.
- How long is a typical session, and how frequently do you recommend sessions?
- Understanding the duration and frequency of sessions helps establish expectations for the therapeutic process.
- How can I best make progress in therapy, and what are your expectations of me during this process?
- Gaining insight into how you can contribute to your therapeutic progress and understanding the therapist’s expectations creates a collaborative approach to your mental health journey.
- Can therapy be complemented by other resources/medication?
- Understanding if therapy can be complemented by additional resources or medication provides a comprehensive approach to mental health.
- What preparation should I do before a session?
- Learning about the necessary preparations before a session helps optimize the therapeutic experience.
Embarking on the dance of therapy is a personal and transformative experience. By asking these questions, you ensure that the rhythm between you and your therapist is harmonious—a dance that leads to self-discovery, healing, and a fulfilling journey towards mental well-being.
Karl deSouza
@ Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte, Singapore
Trained and Ready to Dance
Hashtags: #TherapyJourney #MentalHealthMatters #ChoosingATherapist #WellBeing #NavigatingTherapy #SelfImprovement #DanceOfTherapy
Would love to hear your comments and experiences in counselling. Feel free to share your thoughts below, and let’s continue this dance of self-discovery and healing together.
