Questions to Ask Before Partnering with a Counsellor

You partner with a counsellor because you are concerned about your mental health and you want to feel better. You know that you are not doing well right now and you have to be heard. With quality counsellors by your side, you will surely get the kind of help that you need. It does not guarantee that you will fully recover, but at least someone can listen to you. Not all counsellors provide quality services though. Here are some questions you need to ask first.

How would you treat my problem?

Right from the start, you have to be open about your personal issues. Ask a counsellor how they can be of help, especially if your issues are already affecting your life in many ways. For instance, your personal problems might have resulted in insomnia and anger outbursts. These are serious issues and if you opt for help from an expert, there must be a path to help you feel better.

What philosophy do you adhere to?

Counsellors have different approaches when it comes to treating problems. Some prefer going deeper in searching for the underlying issues while there are those who would rather deal with the present problem immediately and worry about other issues later. You need to know the philosophy of your potential counsellor since you also have philosophies of your own. It is possible that both approaches are combined. You will probably be more inclined to choose someone who can explain the approach better.

Who leads each session?

There are counsellors who tend to redirect the conversation to hit the spot while others allow the client to just take the lead. There is no right or wrong answer. Everything boils down to preference. If you find a counsellor because you want someone to just listen to you, make sure your counsellor allows you to steer the conversation in any way you want. On the other hand, if you need more serious advice, the session should be fully under the control of the counsellor.

What are your strengths?

Therapists are great in so many things. There are great listeners; you can feel their empathy even when they are not speaking. Others are great at giving advice. There are also those who are honest about their opinions and don’t hold back just to protect your feelings. Find one who can give you exactly what you need. Again, everything boils down to your personal preference.

Once you have found the answers to these questions, it is time to decide whom to choose to be your partner in this journey. You have to be with someone you are totally comfortable with. Don’t settle for the first person you find online. Establish a good relationship and each session will be worth the cost.