Choosing the right counselor may seem like a daunting task, especially if you have never been to counseling before. But there are some key questions you can ask a potential therapist to help you identify whether you are in the right place.
Through counseling, you may learn new ways to cope with, and to have a greater enjoyment of, life. It's important to remember that you are an active participant in the whole process of counseling. This means trusting yourself and your feelings as you begin to choose a counselor and throughout your counseling. Before you choose a counselor, remember that you are a consumer. You are purchasing a service from a professional and you have choices about whether you want to begin such a relationship. You have many rights in the relationship, including the right to contract for the services you wish, and the right to end the relationship whenever you choose. You have many things to consider about the counselor, including her/his credentials, values, personal style, standard procedures, and fees. These may reflect the policy of the agency or clinic, the individual counselor, or both. You may want to consult with more than one counselor before making a choice. Often there is a charge for this consultation.
After talking with a counselor or counselors, you need to decide whether to continue with counseling, and with which counselor. If you felt negatively toward a counselor, don't see her or him again. Explaining to the counselor your reasons for your decision may give you a sense of closure. If you are unsure about a counselor, you may want to talk with him or her again to clarify some points, talk about your uncertainty with a trusted friend, or consult with another counselor before deciding. If you feel positively about the counselor and are comfortable with the information you've gathered, go ahead with the counseling.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COUNSELOR:
- What is your training, experience, and/or area(s) of specialization? Are there particular techniques that you use?
- Will you discuss my treatment plan with me? What happens if we disagree about my goals?
- Are you licensed or registered by the State?
- To which professional organizations do you belong?
- Have you ever had a charge of unethical conduct brought against you?
- For what length of time do you usually treat clients?
- What ongoing professional training and/or supervision do you receive? Will you be discussing my case with a supervisor?
- Do you have physical contact with clients? Under what circumstances?
- Do you think you can work with me? Why?
- Do you charge for an initial consultation? Do you charge for phone consultation?
- How much do you charge for each counseling session? Will my insurance pay for this counseling? How long will our appointments be?
- You may also want to ask questions pertaining to the counselor's values, biases, or attitudes which may affect your counseling. For example: What is your attitude towards gays and lesbians? Abortion? Non-traditional living arrangements?
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AFTER MEETING A COUNSELOR
- Did you feel respected?
- Did you feel heard and understood?
- Did you feel safe?
- Are you comfortable with the personal style of the counselor?
- Were you comfortable with the office atmosphere?
- Was the counselor direct or evasive? Were you satisfied with the answers to your questions?
- Are you comfortable with the counselor's assessment of you and your treatment plan?
CLIENT'S BILL OF RIGHTS
You have the right to:
- Receive respectful treatment.
- Refuse treatment or a particular intervention strategy.
- Ask questions at any time.
- Ask how available the counselor is to see you or what the waiting period is.
- Have full information about fees, method of payment, insurance reimbursement.
- Choose your own lifestyle and have that be respected by your counselor.
- Have full information regarding the counselor's areas of specialization and limitations.
- Have full information about the counselor's therapeutic orientation and any technique which is routinely used.
- Have full information about your diagnosis, if your counselor uses one.
- Consult as many counselors as you choose until you find someone with whom you feel you can work.
- Experience a safe setting, free from physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
- Agree to a written contract of counseling goals and a treatment plan.
- Talk to any part of your counseling with anyone you choose, including another counselor.
- Ask questions about the counselor's values, background, attitudes that are relevant to your counseling; and to be provided with respectful answers.
- Request that the therapist evaluate the progress of counseling.
- Have full information regarding the limits of confidentiality and with whom and under what circumstances the counselor may discuss your case.
- Have full information regarding the extent of written or taped records of your counseling sessions and whether you will have access to them.
- Terminate therapy at any time.
- Disclose only that personal information which you choose and to refuse to answer any question if you choose.
- Require the therapist to send a written report regarding your therapy with your written authorization. (There may be a charge for this service).
- Have access to summaries of written files about you at your request, when legally possible.
Material from It's Never Okay: A Handbook for Victims and Victim Advocates on Sexual Exploitation by Counselors and Therapists, produced by the Task Force on Sexual Exploitation by Counselors and Therapists/Minnesota Program for Victims of Sexual Assault/MN Dept. of Corrections.
Reprinted with permission |
