Questions to ask a counselor near canton, Ga

So, you found a few therapists near Canton, GA that seemed like a good fit. All of them talk about doing a consultation. You’re not sure what to you even ask during that call? What should you say? What is appropriate?

1.)   You’ll want to ask what frequency they recommend. Some therapists are flexible with their scheduling. PHC recommends weekly sessions based on research here and here supporting this frequency for faster change. Our personal experience is that you will complete your therapeutic goals in a shorter time frame when working on these goals weekly versus attending bi-weekly sessions for example.

2.)   You should ask if they offer virtual therapy or in-person therapy. PHC offers both. For children under the age of 10, I have personally found faster completion of goals when attending in person however research indicates efficacy of online therapy as well.

3.)   You’ll want to know their fees.  Individual sessions are $160 for 50 minute sessions.

4.)   You’ll want to be clear about your needs so they can assist you in determining if they’re the right therapist or if they should support you in finding someone else. For example, the therapists at PHC are not able to provide recommendations on custody or visitation while other therapists specialize in that area.

5.)   This isn’t a question for the therapist but rather a question for you. How do you feel when speaking to this therapist? Think of this consultation as a job interview. You’re making a decision about who to hire to assist your family during this time.

Therapy is about so much more than just a weekly check-in. There should be established goals and interventions that are grounded in both theory and research. It is important to remember that you aren’t stuck! You can switch therapists if it truly isn’t the right fit however, the therapeutic relationship should stretch you. In other words, you might find yourself frustrated, even angry at your therapist. That is OK!! Speak to those emotions and sort them out. Communicating your emotions in real time, effectively is a vital skill and there is no safer place to sort that out than in your therapist’s office. The therapeutic relationship is one where you can practice authenticity, learn about boundaries, practice emotional congruence, and increase effective communication. This happens in-part because of therapeutic skill of course but the change truly occurs within the dynamic and gift of human connection between therapist and client.