Therapy approaches can differ in what sessions involve, what is practiced between sessions, and what training a provider needs. You can ask questions before deciding. Choose one approach or recommendation you are considering and identify the information that would help you make an informed choice.
How to use this page
Write your main goal and a few questions. Bring them to a qualified provider and ask for explanations you can understand.
Ask what the work involves
Ask what the approach is intended to help, what evidence supports it for your concern, and what sessions may involve. Discuss your preferences about structure, disclosure, culture, access, and between-session tasks. You can say when something feels unclear.
Plan a review
Ask about alternatives, costs, likely demands, possible difficulties, and how the provider checks progress. Find out how to raise a concern or discuss changing the plan. You do not have to promise improvement before you understand the options.
Reflection prompts
Use these questions in conversation, on paper, or in the downloaded PDF. You may adapt or skip a prompt.
What would I like therapy to help me change or understand?
What do I need to know about this approach and the provider's training?
What preferences, access needs, costs, or demands affect its fit?
How will we review progress, concerns, and possible alternatives?
Facilitator notes and adaptation
Support shared decision-making without implying every approach has equal evidence for every condition. Provide current condition-specific information and referral when needed. Clarify actual availability, competence, and consent. Do not use a worksheet or marketing claim as proof of treatment efficacy.
Sources behind the concepts
These sources inform the concepts in this original resource. They do not validate or endorse this specific page.
Professional ethics resources for consent, confidentiality, collaboration, documentation, supervision, and consultation. Check the current applicable code, licensing board rules, law, and organizational requirements.