Questions to ask a therapist or counselor in Colorado

Written By Phoebe Bass

You’ve been thinking about starting therapy for a while now. You’ve read dozens—maybe hundreds—of therapist websites and profiles, and you’ve found a few that sound like they might be a good fit. But how do you know which therapist is right for you?

Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck, choosing the right therapist is an important step. If you're considering EMDR therapy in Colorado, or simply want to make sure your therapist can truly support your healing, this guide will help you ask the right questions during a consultation.

Ask for a Free Consultation

Most therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation, which gives you a chance to:

  • Ask questions

  • Share your concerns

  • Get a sense of whether it feels like a good match

(You can contact me for a consultation here)

This brief conversation can offer a meaningful glimpse into what working with a particular therapist or counselor might feel like. And even though it's short, it can be incredibly informative and grounding.

Feeling Nervous? That’s Completely Normal. Here’s What to Expect.

Taking the step of contacting a therapist can feel intimidating. You’ve probably had far more practice not talking about the anxiety, depression, or trauma that are bringing you to therapy.

Making that first call or sending a first message can feel vulnerable. Take a deep breath. You are not bothering or inconveniencing the therapist by reaching out. In fact, I’m honored every time a prospective client trusts me enough to share their concerns and ask for help.

Not Sure What to Say? Start Here.

Once you’re ready to connect with a therapist, you may be unsure how to begin the conversation. Here are some things you can share during a consultation that will help both of you determine if it’s a good fit.

Describe What You’re Struggling With

Think about the moment you decided to finally reach out. What was happening?

Start by briefly describing:

  • The issue that’s leading you to seek therapy

  • When it began

  • How it’s affecting your daily life

If you’ve tried therapy before, you might share what worked and what didn’t. This doesn’t need to be a full history—just the most important things a therapist should know to understand where you're coming from.

If you’re seeking EMDR therapy in Colorado for trauma, anxiety, or depression, that’s also helpful to mention during this first conversation.

Ask About the Therapist’s Approach

Every therapist works a little differently. It’s absolutely okay to ask questions like:

  • How do you typically structure sessions?

  • Do you incorporate EMDR therapy or other modalities?

  • Do you assign homework or prefer a more open-ended approach?

  • How do you support clients with trauma, anxiety, or depression?

These questions can help you clarify whether the therapist's approach aligns with your preferences. If you’re specifically looking for EMDR therapy in Colorado, be sure to ask if they’re trained and experienced in it—and how they use it in their practice.

Ask About Their Experience

It’s important to find someone who’s experienced in working with the issues you’re facing. You might ask:

  • Have you worked with people dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression?

  • Do you have experience supporting clients from my background or identity?

Your therapist doesn’t need to share your exact experience or identity to be helpful—but it’s okay to want someone who is sensitive, informed, and culturally responsive.

How This Connects to EMDR Therapy in Colorado

If you’re exploring EMDR therapy in Colorado, a consultation is also a good time to ask:

  • How does EMDR work in your practice?

  • What can I expect from a typical EMDR session?

  • How long does EMDR therapy usually take?

  • Do you combine EMDR with other approaches?

You don’t need to know everything about EMDR before beginning, but asking about the process can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

To learn more about how I offer EMDR therapy in Colorado, you can visit my main service page here.

Want More Help Choosing a Therapist?

I hope these suggestions make your search for a therapist feel a little more grounded and a little less overwhelming.

If you’re looking for support with trauma, anxiety, or depression—and are curious about EMDR therapy—I’d be honored to connect with you.

You can contact me here or call me at (909) 332-2192 for a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for and explore whether working together might be a good fit.

Phoebe Bass
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What You Need to Know About EMDR Therapy in Colorado