How to Find a Therapist: Essential Questions to Ask When Searching for a Therapist

Finding a therapist can be daunting, especially finding a therapist who specializes in CPTSD, also known as attachment trauma, developmental trauma, or being an adult child of dysfunction. We have compiled two lists of questions from a variety of sources that you might find helpful in your search for a therapist. The first list is a set of general questions and the second list has more specific questions if you are seeking a therapist who specializes in CPTSD.

First and foremost, we recommend that you find a therapist with whom you can be open and honest with; this is the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship.The degree to which you can be open and honest will help you get the most help possible from your therapist’s experience and training. 

If a therapist prefers not to answer a question during your consultation, it does not mean they are immediately a wrong fit for you; there may be internal policies or other factors that do not allow them to answer certain questions or disclose certain information. You can always ask for an explanation and see if your potential therapist can respond in a way that helps you feel comfortable.

Please use these following lists as guides. We encourage you to think of additional questions that are important to you from your own past therapy experiences and to use your own judgment to gauge the questions that are most important to you.

General Questions to Interview Potential Therapists:

• What qualifications do you have?

• How long have you been practicing therapy?

• How do you approach treatment?

• What is a typical session with you like?

• Do you have experience treating people with similar issues to mine?

• Do you receive ongoing supervision/case consultation?

• What is the cost of sessions?

• What is the typical length of therapy for treating people with similar issues to mine?

• What’s the first session like with you?

• How will I know I’m getting better? 

• How do you set goals and measure progress?

• What else should I know before working with you?

• Based on our time together so far, do you believe we’re a good fit?

Questions for Treating Complex PTSD *

• Are you experienced with therapeutic options to help with CPTSD? What modalities do you use with clients?

• Have you done your own therapy? Have you done your own therapy with the modalities you use with clients?

• What kind of experience do you have with developmental trauma/dissociation/identity issues? 

• Which tools do you use for trauma work when there is dissociation? How do you respond when there is dissociation in session? 

• How often do you recommend meeting? How long would sessions be?  What kind of notice do you give for any breaks in therapy? (Vacations, business trips, etc.)  

• -Can we openly communicate before and after breaks directly regarding this?

  • Do you provide abandonment fears support, coping skills, self-care and potential for growth from these breaks in therapy?

In Closing:

Asking good questions in an initial consultation with a therapist is an important part of ensuring you find a great fit. A great therapeutic fit is an important part of your mental health treatment. We want you to feel empowered to find the best fit therapist for your needs and goals.

*Modified from CPTSDFoundation.org

Authorship: This blog was written by Morgan Levine, LCSW.  Morgan Levine (licensed in MD, DC, VA, PA, CO, and FL) offers Trauma Intensives virtually and in a retreat format. She specializes in using EMDR, IFS-informed EMDR, and a variety of other modalities in her work with adults who experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, obsessions and compulsions, relationship issues, CPTSD, use of substances or people, attachment wounds, and specific trauma events.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.

IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Colorado and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION.