CONSUMER RESOURCES
Questions to Ask Your Therapist
Practical, evidence-informed questions to help you be an active participant in your therapy. You have every right to understand your treatment.
Starting Therapy
Questions to ask when beginning a new therapeutic relationship.
What is your approach to therapy, and how does it work?
What experience do you have working with concerns like mine?
What does informed consent mean for our work together?
How will we set goals and measure progress?
What should I do if I feel therapy isn't helping?
What is your policy on confidentiality and its limits?
During Therapy
Questions to ask as your treatment progresses.
Am I making progress toward my goals?
How do you decide what we focus on in sessions?
Can we revisit or adjust our treatment goals?
Do you use any formal measures to track how I'm doing?
What should I expect in terms of how long therapy will take?
If You're Concerned
It's okay to raise concerns. These conversation starters can help.
I'd like to discuss something that's been bothering me about our sessions.
I've been feeling worse lately—can we talk about whether our approach is working?
I'm not sure I'm comfortable with [specific technique]. Can we discuss alternatives?
I'd like to get a second opinion. Can you help me with that?
I want to understand my rights as a client in this process.
Tips for Having These Conversations
Write Questions Down
Bring a written list to your session so you don't forget what you want to ask.
You Don't Need Permission
You have every right to ask questions about your own treatment. A good therapist welcomes questions.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn't feel right, your feelings are valid. Speak up or seek another perspective.
It's Okay to Change
Switching therapists isn't failure. Finding the right fit is part of the process.
What If Therapy Isn't Working?
If you've raised your concerns and therapy still doesn't feel right, you have options:
- •Seek a second opinion from another licensed therapist
- •Contact your state licensing board if you believe ethical boundaries were crossed
- •Remember: you can end therapy at any time. You never need permission to stop.
Printable Version Coming Soon
We're developing a printable PDF version of these questions that you can bring to your sessions. Check back soon.
Learn More About Therapy Safety
Important Note
These questions are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute clinical advice. Every therapeutic relationship is unique, and these questions should be adapted to your individual situation.