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