Questions to ask a therapist, counselor, or psychologist in Minneapolis
There are dozens of therapists in Minneapolis to search for! Right away you think, no problem, I’m gonna find a fab therapist in my city, in no time, let’s get to work honey! You’re hustling hard, reach out to a few bomb queens, feel like I got this no problem, and wait to hear back. Before you know it, you have a consultation scheduled with a counselor in Minneapolis, jump right into that relationship, and say to yourself, “that was easy, what’s everybody stressing about?” Before you know it, you’ve come to realize after a couple of sessions, that therapist in Minneapolis, they are not your jam. DAMN! I thought we were gonna be a good fit. Maybe this is harder than I thought. Well, now what? Do I break up with them? Do I ghost them with no warning and say peace? Do I even bother showing up to the next session to talk about this? You think about all these questions and your mind goes to what’s the point. Why does this have to be so difficult? What am I doing wrong? What could I have asked to know more about the provider? Is there someone out there that’s for me? What are the appropriate questions to ask? What are the things I want to say and understand about that therapist in Minneapolis to see if they are the right fit?
Questions to ask a Therapist in Minneapolis
We all are guilty of prematurely jumping into relationships without asking enough questions. Be it a relationship with a new car, company, or any new commitment, we sometimes tend to jump in and are told to trust the process. It’s the same thing with therapists in Minneapolis when we are asked, “Do you have any questions about services or treatment?” we nervously smile, think something is wrong with us, and say no because we want to get the hell out of that first appointment. In reality, sometimes we need to learn to trust our intuitions and ask questions. Would you jump into bed with a person if you wanted them to wear a condom? Heck no! Then why would jump into a relationship with a therapist in your city where you’re unsure of trust. I’m here to help give you tips and questions on how to find a therapist in Minneapolis, who’s the right fit, with no problems!
What to ask a Therapist in the INITIAL CONSULTATION!!
How long have you been a therapist in Minneapolis? This tells you a little bit more about the therapist in your city, how they got started, and why they are in the field. Depending on the therapist, you may get to hear their back story of what they do and why they do it. You can definitely hear the passion come alive if that therapist goes into more detail. If that’s what you’re searching for, but getting one-worded answers, then maybe follow up this question with, What makes you continue to work as a therapist in Minneapolis? Maybe they’ll give you a little more insight into their world as a provider.
What specialty services do you provide? SPILL THE TEA! Therapists have specialty niches, meaning, they provide services that not everyone learns in graduate school, or where that therapist does their best work. One of my specializations is sex therapy, working specifically with sexual functioning, and focusing on this in therapy. This is one where there is extensive training and coursework to be completed to focus on this area of treatment. Therapists may have multiple niches, within those there may be work that they and their clients enjoy the best.
What types of clients are your jam? THIS IS EVERYTHING! For me, I’d be like, a VA VA Voom sassy folks who love some glitter, famous queens, and can kiki all day on their goals honey! Trust your intuition when the therapist answers your question. If they are bubbly, vivacious, extroverted and you love that, they’re your jam! If they are very peaceful, reflective, introverted and you love that, they’re your jam! Bonus Follow-Up Question: Are you an introvert, ambivert, or extrovert? Although not necessary, you can even be a great way to seek a provider fit to you. This may be important to some folks and not as much to others, reflect on this and you decide!
What do clients say about working with you? Ask them for the feedback! Understanding the client’s previous experiences can illustrate what kind of psychotherapist this person is and how they do their best work. If they’re talking about great experiences with couples and individuals in sex therapy and you are wanting to work with them on substance use, chances are that is not the provider fit you are looking for. AND THAT’S OKAY!! Want to know why? You didn’t just start a brand new relationship with this person and jump into an intake session. You asked these in the consultation, YASSS, you go on with your bad self!!
What do you do that’s different from other therapists? YASSS queen, have them share why they are fabulous! For me, if I am working on sex and communication with a couple, I help them create multiple pages of what I call a sexual playbook. Pages include topics of pleasure, masturbation, relaxation, and more! If I’m doing self-esteem work, I’ll ask folks who’s their ideal person and how would they show up as their best self every damn day. For me, that’s the fab Jonathan Van Ness or Chris Sapphire. If this was my client’s I would ask, what would JVN or Chris do? We go through guided imagery visionary exercises and act as if we are that diva in session! Therapy is not about cookie-cutter techniques, it’s about the uniqueness of that person and how well they naturally fit with that therapist.
Can I follow you on social media or friend request you? OMG, I love some followers, seriously though, who doesn’t? This is a fab question! Many clients want to be friends with their therapists because they may enjoy this person. Therapy is a professional relationship, each therapist has their own boundaries when utilizing professional social media accounts. It is important for them to explain their personal social media policy and keeping your privacy as a priority.
Feel like you can breathe a little better?
I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Minneapolis! If you are still feeling stuck, like hold up Jackie, I am still unsure of how to find a therapist in my city, can I just talk to you or ask you a quick question?? YASSS! Feel free to call me at (507) 571-2942 for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person!
If you are seeking help with sex therapy, couples therapy, self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ & Gender-Affirming care, or anxiety, you can read more about how I can help by clicking here! If you are a therapist seeking consultation on any of these topics or want to know what it takes to open your open private practice then click here for more information on how I can help you today! Stay Shameless
