Making the call for a counseling consultation is a big step in your healing journey. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a counselor. When doing your search to find a counselor to help you sort through life difficulties you will review several profiles. You might look at many counselor websites and social media pages. During a Counselor Consultation. There are some key questions you should ask to help you make your decision. When you find the counselor that is a great match for you and you feel the most comfortable to be vulnerable, great work will happen.
This post will help you know some important questions to ask during your counseling consultation. You will be able to make a more confident decision about the counselor after reviewing this post. Choose a great counselor for you. Ask questions that will give you answers. Find out important information you need to know when you do a counseling consultation. Don’t end the call with a million questions, and then feel too embarrassed to call back.
What are your specialties?
In some directories, you will find counselors who treat almost everything while others specialize in specific areas. In your counseling consultation make sure to ask if the counselor specializes in the area you are looking to receive help. Ask if they have worked with people with similar problems and how they have helped.
When I speak with potential clients during a consultation I offer people the opportunity to ask the questions they need to know to make a decision about our match. I share my specializations and additional information they may find helpful in making their decision. In the counseling consultation, I share how I have helped people to overcome similar concerns.
Pro tip– In rural areas, it is common to see a counselor who has a lot of experience in many areas due to the low availability of counselors.
How have you helped people like me in the past?
It is helpful during your counseling consultation to find out how the counselor has helped people with similar situations like the ones you are working through. This will help you consider if the counselor would be able to help you.
Do you do face-to-face or online sessions?
In the time of virtual everything, it’s important to ask if the counselor does both virtual and face-to-face sessions. You don’t want to show up to an office after scheduling your appointment only to find out that the sessions are done virtually. You will want to clarify this before you schedule your appointment.
A common question I get is can online counseling work. The answer is YES. Of course, I miss the beautiful office suites I had here in my local town of Kingsville, TX, at the same time I have been able to help tons of people across Texas due to switching to virtual sessions exclusively. This has been a wonderful way for me to connect with people all over Texas, and the world.
Do you take insurance?
This is a major concern for people when starting counseling. When you are doing the counseling consultation make sure to ask questions about insurance if you want to use your benefits. There are different steps for insurance clients as well as out-of-network (OON) clients. Each process requires a different initial setup process. During your counseling consultation, you will hear how the counselor works for that specific counselor.
Be prepared to be redirected back to your insurance provider after the consultation. The insurance provider will have all the information about your benefits, deductibles, and more.
Many times insurance companies will dictate how many sessions a person can have to treat an issue. If you want to use your insurance find someone that is in-network. Insurance companies will generally give you a list of providers to help you narrow down your search. This can present a challenge if the counselor you want to see does not accept your insurance.
How much do sessions cost?
Part of making your decision in choosing a counselor to support you in your healing journey is knowing the cost. Lots of counselors set their rates based on various factors. Years of experience, level, and education are some of the factors.
Pro tip– It’s important to know going to counseling will cost you in many ways. It will also include the cost of making much-needed changes to your life. Counseling may cost you some unhealthy relationships. Going to counseling might include the cost of letting go of unsupportive behaviors and so many other unhealthy elements of your life. Freeing yourself from these toxic circumstances is priceless.
What is your counseling style?
This is different from the counselor process. Knowing your counselor’s style will help you to understand how your counselor approaches sessions. During the counseling consultation, you may hear how the counselor connects with their clients.
There are many different types of counselors to support various lifestyles. You might want a counselor who is a lot like you. Some people want a counselor who is completely different with a different perspective. In your search to find a great fit, understand it is okay to make several calls and search thoroughly before choosing a counselor.
During your counseling consultation, it’s important to consider all the options important to you. Some people prefer more gentle nonconfrontational counselors who listen to them for long periods of time before getting into the true therapeutic work. Other people want a counselor who will call them on their stuff right away (not the counselor telling them what they want to hear.)
My process of working with clients is one of listening, offering support, and empathy. We work to create a professional relationship where they feel comfortable being themselves. As we continue to work together we begin to trust each other allowing great opportunities for sharing and challenging. Skills building, practice activities, and insight fill the sessions.
My clients know I’m committed to helping them heal. I’m not a stuffy uptight counselor who can’t take a joke or laugh a little. I literally tell people to say whatever they want to say and feel free to be all of themselves. We hold nothing back in sessions. They can tell me if they disagree and we work through it.
We help survivors of narcissistic abuse
As Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Counselors, we help you break free from the feelings of being lost, trapped, and confused. Start your recovery from narcissistic abuse today. Become the best version of yourself on the other side of this experience. Be able to trust yourself and your decisions. Tame those unwanted memories and flashbacks. Stop seconding guessing yourself. Make decisions with confidence. Stop racing thoughts and Improve your sleep. Have healthy relationships. Spot the narcissistic cycle of abuse and break the control the narcissist once had in your life. Let us help you heal.
BEGIN HEALINGWhat is your process?
It helps to know the counselor’s process for working with clients. Being able to understand the counselor’s methods for conducting the sessions will help you not feel lost as you begin your healing journey.
The choice is yours
Above you have just a few key questions to ask when considering finding a counselor. Use this information to help you create a list of questions for your consultation call. There’s still work to do. Make the call. Ask the questions. Make your decision to get started.
Receive clarity, confidence, and closure with our help
Let’s embark on a transformative journey together. Our process is designed to help you heal. We will guide you to safety, help you rebuild, and teach you how to invite joy into your life. We will rediscover your inner self and unlock your true power.
We provide online counseling in Texas only.