interviewing a therapist
It’s a very good idea to interview any prospective psychotherapist at no charge, up to three separate times. We view people seeking therapy as intelligent consumers who have the right to make up their own minds based on their own criteria. Just because you acknowledge having some problems doesn’t mean all your judgment is suspect. The fact is, everyone has problems, psychotherapists included.
What is the interview?
It is a useful way to evaluate a prospective psychotherapist, at no charge. It’s not a free therapy session. You won’t be discussing your life and problems. But it is a chance to see the office, meet the therapist, and ask questions that will help you decide if this is someone you want to work with. The therapist will not be interviewing you; it’s the therapist who is on the spot! It’s also not the only opportunity for you to ask questions. You are welcome to ask questions and get answers at any time during your therapy, as well.
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Why interview?
Psychotherapists range in quality all the way from excellent to awful. Degrees and licenses offer no more assurance of competence in psychotherapists than they do in automobile drivers. This is someone you will be discussing intimate matters with. Why not get a sense of his or her personality and attitudes before starting? Why not interview the therapist at least as thoroughly as you would a potential governess for your precious child?
Not all therapies are alike. There are literally hundreds of different kinds, varying greatly in their theory and technique. It’s worthwhile to get an idea about the form of therapy that will be employed. Does it make sense to you? Does it appeal to you?
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Am I qualified to evaluate a psychotherapist?
You have been sizing people up all of your life. While most people are unable to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic theory and technique, you can still get a sense of the therapist’s attitude and thoughtfulness. Unlike other professions, where you can hire someone you don’t care for personally but who can still do a competent job, the working relationship between you and your therapist is critical. After all, you are hiring someone to help you explore deeply personal issues, and to help you change how you think and feel about yourself. You won’t get much out of your work together unless you value your therapist’s opinion, and feel well-treated by him or her, no matter how well-recommended the therapist is by others. It is very important for you to use your own judgment.
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How do I interview?
You can ask prospective therapists about a wide range of things: idle curiosity questions; questions of training and experience; personal questions; and questions on topics you have strong opinions about, like political affiliation, religion, abortion, etc. The responses will help you gauge such concerns as how open-minded, sensible, straightforward, friendly, and respectful of your intelligence he or she seems.
We enjoy and encourage people’s curiosity!
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Is an interview required?
The interview is optional. If you do schedule the interview, staying the full hour is not required. You can come meet therapist, see the office, ask a few questions, and leave when you are ready. Once in a while someone will come in for an interview, but decide they’d rather have a therapy session instead (in which case you may be charged). It’s up to you.
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Do I have to make up my mind during an interview?
You’re welcome to go home and think it over. Take your time. Choosing a psychotherapist is an important decision, well worth being thoughtful and rigorous about.
