Starting individual therapy can be an intimidating experience – you deserve a Chicago therapist that fits you! It’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about opening up to someone new and delving into personal and intimate topics.

Taking the first step towards seeking help takes an immense amount of courage and strength. It’s like taking a journey into uncharted territory, where you’ll encounter challenges, but also discover new perspectives and ways to improve your mental health.

To get the most from your Chicago therapist, it’s important to choose the right therapist for you. In this article, we’ll provide you with a roadmap to help you navigate this journey, and offer insights into the questions you should ask to ensure you and your Chicago psychotherapist are on the same path towards a healthier, happier you.

But isn’t it rude to ask a therapist questions?

Asking questions before starting therapy can be a source of apprehension for many clients. You are not alone. People often worry about appearing skeptical or questioning the therapist’s credentials. However, it’s important to understand that a good therapist wants to create a safe and productive environment for their patients.

In fact, asking questions is a crucial aspect of the therapeutic relationship and can help build trust and comfort before sessions even begin. Asking the right questions can also make the therapist’s job easier, as it provides an opportunity to establish a solid foundation for the therapeutic process. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and ensure that you and your therapist are on the same page before embarking on your growth journey.

Consider these 6 questions:

What is your approach to therapy?

Every individual’s mental health is unique and requires a personalized approach. This is why therapists, including psychologists, may adjust their methodologies based on the needs of their clients. To gain a better understanding of how your therapist operates, it’s beneficial to ask about their process and what a typical session might entail. It’s important to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you, so if the approach seems too demanding or too lenient, you may need to continue your search.

Our Chicago therapists utilize evidence-based techniques that are grounded in science and the therapeutic relationship. Although techniques have similarities, each therapist has the flexibility to tailor a treatment plan to their client’s specific needs, so asking about their approach can give you an idea of what to expect when working with that professional.

Is your therapeutic style directive or non-directive?

A directive therapist is one who takes a more active role in guiding and advising clients towards specific solutions, while a non-directive therapist allows clients to take the lead and sets a supportive environment for them to explore their own thoughts and feelings.

It’s important to have a match between the client’s needs and the therapist’s approach because different approaches can be better suited to different individuals and their specific issues.

For example, a directive approach may be helpful for someone seeking specific problem-solving strategies, while a non-directive approach may be more appropriate for someone looking to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences.

Having a match between the client’s needs and the approach of the Chicago psychotherapist can lead to a more effective therapy experience, as the client is more likely to feel understood, supported, and able to work towards their goals in therapy.

What are your specialties?

The field of therapy is vast, encompassing many different areas of study that may or may not intersect. For this reason, many Chicago psychotherapists choose to concentrate on a specific area or two in order to increase their proficiency and effectiveness. It’s crucial to seek out a therapist who has expertise in your specific concerns or struggles.

For example, if you are struggling with relationship difficulties, couples therapy may be the most effective path. On the other hand, if you are trying to cope with family-related trauma, a family therapist may be better equipped to support you.

There are countless mental health issues that therapists specialize in, including depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ related concerns, relationship difficulties, bipolar disorder, and many more. It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your therapist about their area of specialization and to ensure it aligns with your needs. As the person seeking therapy, you are in charge of your mental health journey, so don’t hesitate to move on if a therapist doesn’t seem like the right fit for you.

Where did you earn your degree?

A therapist’s educational and clinical training background is crucial in evaluating the likelihood that they can help you. Though these factors are not the sole determining factors of a therapist’s success, they can give a general idea of their background. While many people consider age and years of experience as important indicators, this practice is often unhelpful.

Therapists with poor training and skills tend to practice bad habits and ineffective therapy throughout their careers.  Ultimately, the most important aspect of a therapist is their ability to connect with you and to do so, you need to feel confident that they have the expertise needed to trust them.

What do you like about being a therapist?

Inquiring about what a Chicago therapist enjoys most about their profession can offer dual advantages in regards to your mental health treatment. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to screen for any warning signs. For instance, if the Chicago therapist appears solely motivated by financial gain or seems to relish the power that comes with being a medical professional, it may be wise to continue your search.

Although this is a rare occurrence, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Secondly, asking this question can help personalize the relationship and provide insight into the therapist’s personality. Understanding your potential Chicago therapist is a crucial aspect of your mental health journey, so getting a glimpse into their motivations and passions can make the therapy experience more human and meaningful.

What’s a typical session with you like?

Inquiring about the format of a typical session with a potential therapist can help provide a sense of familiarity and stability. Understanding what to anticipate during therapy is crucial in promoting comfort and consistency. Consider, for instance, therapy focused on developing skills versus therapy focused on developing insight.  Therapy focused on building skills is geared towards teaching specific techniques and strategies to manage symptoms, emotions, and behaviors.

This approach emphasizes practical, actionable steps and seeks to equip patients with the tools they need to improve their mental health and overall well-being. On the other hand, therapy focused on building insight is centered around exploring the underlying causes of an individual’s issues, such as past experiences, beliefs, and patterns of thought.

This type of therapy seeks to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions, and it often involves uncovering and processing past traumas and unconscious biases. Both approaches have their strengths and may be more or less suitable depending on your specific needs and goals.

Find a Chicago therapist ready to help! 

At Tandem Psychology, booking a therapy session means receiving top-notch care. Our team of Chicago therapists are highly trained and boast the finest credentials in Chicago. Don’t let your mental health struggles persist, take the first step towards wellness by scheduling an in-person or telehealth therapy session with us today. With Tandem Psychology, the path to feeling better might be closer than you expect. Make an appointment with one of our therapists today!

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed health care provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.