Therapist Selection Questionnaire
This list was designed to help prospective clients with the process of choosing a therapist. It can be used as a guide prior to an initial consultation with a therapist, as well as a way to reflect on a first visit before committing to a course of treatment with a therapist. This is a general guide and does not refer specifically to any particular type of psychotherapy where certain items may vary from the following list.
- I feel comfortable with the therapist
- The therapist seems comfortable with me
- The therapist is casual and informal rather than stiff and formal
- The therapist does not treat me as if I am sick, defective, and about to fall apart
- The therapist is flexible and open to new ideas rather than pursuing one point of view
- The therapist has a good sense of humor and a pleasant disposition
- The therapist is willing to tell me how (s)he feels about me
- The therapist admits limitations and does not pretend to know things (s)he doesn’t know
- The therapist is very willing to acknowledge being wrong and apologizes for making errors or for being inconsiderate, instead of justifying the behavior
- The therapist answers direct questions rather than simply asking me what I think. If (s)he chooses not to answer questions of a personal nature for sound clinical reasons, these reasons are explained to me so that I can understand and appreciate them
- The therapist occasionally reveals things about herself or himself, either spontaneously or in response to my inquiries, when appropriate
- The therapist acts as if (s)he is my consultant rather than the manager of my life
- The therapist encourages differences of opinion rather than telling me that I am resisting if I disagree with him or her
- The things that the therapist says make sense to me
- In general, my contacts with the therapist lead to my feeling more hopeful and having higher self-esteem
Richard B. Joelson, DSW
110 East 87th Street
Suite 1E
New York, NY 10128
info@richardbjoelsondsw.com
