Questions to Ask Before Starting Therapy
Overcoming Hesitation: Questions to Ask Before Starting Therapy
Starting therapy can be intimidating. For many, the idea of opening up to someone they’ve just met or confronting difficult emotions can make the journey feel overwhelming before it even begins. The hesitation is completely normal—many people feel anxious, vulnerable, or uncertain about taking this step. But asking a few essential questions can help ease these worries and give you a clearer sense of what to expect from therapy, which, in turn, can make the process feel much more comfortable.
Why Are We So Hesitant to Start Therapy?
There are a few common reasons why people hesitate before starting therapy. Many worry that they’ll be judged, that their issues aren’t “big enough” for therapy, or that it won’t help them in the way they hope. Others may have had past experiences that didn’t work out or feel unsure about what therapy even involves. Recognizing that these feelings are common can be comforting in itself, and knowing that you’re not alone in these concerns may make it a bit easier to move forward.
One powerful way to reduce hesitation is by asking questions that will give you insight into the therapy process, build trust with your therapist, and create a safe environment. Here are a few questions to consider:
1. How Will You Help Me With My Concerns?
Each therapist has a different approach, depending on their background, experience, and specialty. By asking this question, you’ll learn more about the therapist’s style and how they plan to address your needs. Therapists are trained in various methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or psychodynamic therapy, and knowing which approach might be used can provide a sense of reassurance.
How it helps: Knowing how your therapist will work with you gives a sense of direction and can reduce the feeling of uncertainty around what therapy might look like.
2. Will What I Share Stay Private?
One of the biggest concerns for people entering therapy is confidentiality. Therapy is a safe space, and therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep your information private (with some exceptions, like immediate risk to safety). Asking about confidentiality can ease any concerns you may have about the privacy of your sessions.
How it helps: Understanding confidentiality policies can foster a sense of safety, making it easier to open up.
3. What Will Our Sessions Look Like?
Asking what a typical session might look like helps to reduce the unknown factor that often causes anxiety. The therapist can explain whether sessions will involve mostly talking, perhaps some exercises or worksheets, or if they may assign you tasks to work on outside of therapy.
How it helps: Knowing what to expect from sessions can lessen anxiety about the unknown, making it easier to relax and be present.
4. How Will I Know If I’m Making Progress?
Therapy is a journey, and tracking progress is an essential part of it. Some therapists review goals with clients regularly, while others may check in informally. Asking how progress will be tracked can give you a sense of how therapy will evolve and what signs to look for as you move forward.
How it helps: This gives you concrete markers of success, which can be encouraging and motivating, especially on days when progress feels slow.
5. What Should I Do If I’m Uncomfortable With Something?
In therapy, it’s essential to feel that you can share openly—even when it’s about therapy itself. A good therapist will welcome your feedback and be responsive if you feel uncomfortable with a particular approach or topic. Bringing this up from the start creates an understanding that your comfort is important.
How it helps: This question builds a foundation for open communication and reassures you that you’re in a partnership where your voice and comfort matter.
How Asking Questions Helps Ease Anxiety
These questions aren’t just about gaining information—they also help establish a relationship. A good therapist-client relationship is based on trust, understanding, and respect, and asking questions is a simple yet powerful way to build that foundation. Knowing the answers can also help reduce any fears about the unknown and allow you to see your therapist as a partner in your growth, rather than as someone who simply “fixes” problems.
Taking That First Step
It’s natural to feel uncertain before starting therapy, but asking these questions can help ease some of that initial anxiety. Therapy is a journey that should feel safe, supportive, and uniquely yours, and having these conversations early on can make a big difference in setting the tone for a positive experience.
So, if you’re unsure about starting therapy, remember: it’s okay to ask questions. In fact, it’s encouraged! Taking time to understand the process and get to know your therapist’s approach can turn a hesitant start into a hopeful journey.
Getting started with Head First Health is simple and supportive. Begin by scheduling an initial consultation, where you’ll share a bit about what brings you to therapy and ask any questions you may have. You can also call or text (312) 291-1595
Together, we’ll create a safe space for you to grow, and we’ll regularly check in on your progress to ensure therapy is both meaningful and effective. Head First Health is here to support you at every step of your journey toward well-being.