Preparing for Therapy

Congratulations on considering your mental health and well-being!

Things to think about before starting therapy:

• How often can I attend or want to attend (weekly, every two weeks, once a month)?
• What preferences do I have about the therapist (gender, age, religion, etc.)? It is okay to have preferences. A main factor of therapy being helpful is you becoming comfortable talking with someone about sensitive and personal information.
• Are there any barriers or sensitive spots you feel comfortable sharing with the therapist that may hinder your ability to be open? Can the therapist help you address those?
• How might you know when your goals are met? What will your life look like and how will you feel?
• What are you willing to change to meet your goals?
• How important is therapy for you right now? How important are your goals in this moment? Can you commit to therapy to achieve them?
• Can I tolerate some discomfort in therapy as I make changes to meet my goals?

How to know if you have a good fit with a therapist you have chosen (or talked to):

• Do I like them, is there a connection?
• Do I feel like my boundaries are respected?
• Do I feel understood and supported?
• Do they also challenge me in helpful ways?
• Can I express emotions like anger, hurt, or embarrassment I may feel about our interactions? Do they respond supportively if I do?
• Do I trust them?

Possible questions to ask a therapist:

• How do you support clients whose concerns are related to systemic injustices?
• How do you incorporate anti-racism, social justice, and decolonization in your practice?
• What do you enjoy about being a therapist?
• Have you worked with the concerns I talked about?
• How would you be able to help me with the goals I have?
• What are your strengths and limitations as a therapist?
• What is a typical session like?
• How should I prepare for the first session?

By Sarah Lute, M.Ed. and adapted for Radiant Pride Therapy PLLC