Questions to Ask a Counsellor Before Your First Session
Choosing a counsellor is easier when you know what to ask. Accredited practitioners expect these questions and will answer them plainly. If an answer is vague or you feel awkward for asking, that is useful information in itself.
About their standing
Which professional body are you accredited with, and at what level? Then verify it; ICPHAA members can be checked on the verification page.
What is your core qualification, and where did you train? Look for a named award at QQI Level 7 or higher (or equivalent) from a recognised provider.
Are you in regular clinical supervision and insured? Both are conditions of accreditation.
About how they work
How would you describe your approach? Person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT, integrative and others each feel different; our guide to psychotherapy approaches explains them.
What experience do you have with what I am bringing? Experience with trauma, addiction, bereavement or couples work matters.
How will we know whether it is helping? Ask about reviews and how they handle it if the work is not progressing.
Do you offer online, telephone or in-person sessions? And how do they protect privacy online?
About the practicalities
What is the fee, and are reduced rates available?
How long are sessions, and how often would we meet?
What is your cancellation policy? Including illness and holidays.
What are the limits of confidentiality, and what records do you keep? See your rights as a counselling client.
How do you handle endings? A clear answer suggests a practitioner who plans the work with you rather than letting it drift.
After the first session
Ask yourself whether you felt listened to, whether the practitioner explained things clearly, and whether you can imagine being honest with them. A degree of discomfort is normal when you start to talk about difficult things; feeling judged, hurried or sold to is not. It is acceptable to try one or two practitioners before you settle.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask about qualifications and fees?
No. Accredited practitioners expect it and will usually volunteer the information. Reluctance to answer is a warning sign.
Can I ask for a brief phone call before booking?
Many practitioners offer a short introductory call. It is a reasonable request and a good way to sense the fit.
What if I want to stop after a few sessions?
You can end at any time. Ideally, tell the practitioner so the ending can be discussed; a good counsellor will respect your decision and, if asked, suggest alternatives.
Finding an accredited practitioner
ICPHAA members who have published their directory listings can be browsed by county and by area of focus on the find a counsellor pages. Every listing links to the member's full profile and to the verification page, where you can confirm that their membership is current before you make contact.
This article is general information from ICPHAA, the Irish Counselling, Psychotherapy & Allied Healthcare Professionals Association. It is not a substitute for individual professional advice. If you are in crisis or at immediate risk, contact emergency services on 112 or 999. The Samaritans are available free, day and night, on 116 123, and you can text HELLO to 50808 for a free 24-hour text service.
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