Twelve questions for a first conversation

Use them as a prompt for a short call or an opening email. You do not need to ask all twelve at once. Pick the ones that matter most to you.

When a listing says a therapist lists Narrative Therapy among their approaches, it means they have chosen to name it. If you want to know how they use narrative ideas in practice, ask them directly.

Have a quiet, private space lined up if you plan to talk online. If you are feeling distressed or overwhelmed right now, that feeling matters. You can say so at the start of the call.

If professional standing matters to you, ask whether they are licensed or registered where you live and which body keeps the register in your country or state. The bodies that keep registers differ by country and state.

• 1. You list Narrative Therapy among your approaches; can you describe briefly how you use it in sessions?
• 2. What does a typical first few sessions look like with you?
• 3. How do you usually work with a person who is feeling distressed right now?
• 4. How long are sessions, and how often do you usually meet people?
• 5. How do you check in about whether the work is helping or needs to change?
• 6. Who keeps notes, what kind of notes are kept, and how would you explain that to me?
• 7. Are you licensed or registered where you live, and which organisation holds the register?
• 8. What practical arrangements should I know about - cancellations, missed sessions, or rescheduling?
• 9. How do you work with other professionals or family members if that becomes relevant?
• 10. What are your fees and the usual ways people pay; do you offer different rates for different situations? (This is a question to ask, not a statement about listed therapists.)
• 11. Do you offer a brief introductory meeting so we can see if the style fits?
• 12. If I want to stop or take a break, how would that usually be handled?

These are not rules, just items to raise if they matter to you. Ask how they handle confidentiality and its limits, how long they keep records, and whether they will communicate with others only with your permission.

If you are considering remote sessions, ask about the platform and agree on a private place in your home where you will take calls. You may find it helpful to read other general questions on the site at /questions/ and to browse local listings at /therapists/.

People often plan a review after a few sessions. You might ask the therapist how they normally review progress and how often they suggest checking in about goals, priorities or methods.

Ask what signs they look for when deciding whether to continue with a particular style of work, or to try something different. The clinician you speak to can say what they would suggest in your case.

If you are in immediate danger or think you might harm yourself or someone else, contact your local emergency service or a crisis line in your own country right now. Do not rely on this page in an acute situation.

If you are feeling strongly distressed but not in immediate danger, tell the person you speak with. Many clinicians will want to hear that and will discuss short term options with you.