In a previous blog we explored How to Find a Winnipeg Therapist Near You. Now that you’ve done your research, you want to take the next step and book a free counselling consultation near you, but you are struggling to come up with questions to ask during your counselling consultation in Winnipeg. In this blog we will explore 8 questions to ask during your free Winnipeg counselling consultation.
A free counselling consultation before committing to therapy offers you the opportunity to get a sense about fit. During this conversation, pay attention to whether you feel like you can ‘connect’ with this therapist.
Questions to Ask in a Free Winnipeg Counselling Consultation Near You
Counselling Consultation Question #1: What do you specialize in?
Knowing what the therapist specializes in will help you to get a sense for 
whether they can help in the area in which you’d like some support. For example: If this therapist primarily approaches trauma therapy from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, but you would like to work with a trauma therapist who has training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), then you may want to continue looking for a therapist who does offer EMDR therapy.
Counselling Consultation Question #2: What is your session fee?
It is very helpful to know up front how much your counselling therapist charges. This will reduce any potential surprises about cost.
Question #3: Are you more directive/guiding, or will we work collaboratively towards my goals?
This will help you determine whether this counselling therapist is a good match for the support you are looking for.
Counselling Consultation Question #4: Do you give homework?
Whether or not a therapist gives homework will give you a good sense for what type of counselling this person offers. It will also give you a good sense for their beliefs about how change occurs for people.
Question #5: Have you been in personal therapy yourself?
Therapists who have personal experience with getting professional help are often better at their work since they understand what it’s like to be in a position of needing professional support. And, the experience of being on the receiving end of therapy also often makes therapists better at what they do.
Counselling Consultation Question #6: How often will we meet?
Most Winnipeg counsellors will tell you that it is difficult to predict how often you will need to meet. However, it is important to know how much control you will have over how often to meet.
Counselling Consultation Question #7: How long will I need counselling?
In much the same way as the question on how often you will meet, most Winnipeg therapists will tell you that it is difficult to predict how many sessions you will need. Think of it this way: The longer the struggle has been with you, the longer it tends to take to move beyond the struggle.
Question #8: What is your philosophy (or belief) about how change occurs?
A therapist’s beliefs about how change occurs informs their approach to therapy. Knowing the therapist’s beliefs about how change occurs will help you anticipate what working with this therapist might be like, and that can help you determine whether they are a good fit for what you are looking for in your Winnipeg therapist.
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