Questions to Ask a Potential Counsellor

Why It's Worth Asking Questions

Choosing a counsellor can feel like a leap of faith. You are being asked to talk about difficult things with someone you have only just met, and it is entirely reasonable to want to know a little about them first. Asking questions is not being awkward or demanding — it is part of building a working relationship that suits you. A good counsellor will welcome your curiosity, answer plainly, and never make you feel you are being difficult for asking.

It helps to think of an initial call or first session as a two-way conversation. They are assessing whether they can help you; you are assessing whether you feel comfortable enough to be honest with them. Below are some practical prompts to have ready.

Training, Qualifications and Accreditation

Counselling is not a protected title in the UK, which means anyone can call themselves a counsellor. Checking credentials is therefore sensible, not suspicious.

• Which professional body are you registered with? Look for membership of a recognised body, and ask whether they are on a formal register.
• What training did you complete, and how long was it? A diploma or degree in counselling or psychotherapy usually means several years of study, plus supervised practice hours.
• Do you have a supervisor? All ethical practitioners have regular supervision, where they discuss their work with a more experienced colleague.
• Are you insured, and do you hold a current DBS check? Both are standard expectations.
• Do you have particular specialisms? Trauma, bereavement, anxiety, eating difficulties, relationships and neurodivergence all benefit from specific experience.

Approach and What Sessions Actually Feel Like

Different counsellors work in different ways, and the fit matters as much as the qualifications. Ask what their approach looks like in practice, not just in theory.

• What model do you mainly work from? Person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, integrative and systemic approaches all feel quite different in the room.
• Is your work more led by me or more structured by you? Some people want gentle space to explore; others want practical tools and goals.
• Have you worked with what I'm bringing? Ask directly about your issue if you feel able to name it.
• What happens in a first session? Knowing the shape of it can ease nerves considerably.
• How do you work with difference? It is fair to ask how they respond to issues of culture, faith, disability, gender or sexuality.

Session Length, Frequency and Fees

Practical details are not small talk — they shape whether therapy is sustainable for you over months, not just weeks.

• How long is each session? Fifty minutes is common, though some practitioners offer 60 minutes or longer for particular work.
• How often would we meet? Weekly is typical, especially early on. Fortnightly may suit if cost or time is tight.
• What are your fees, and do you offer concessions? Many counsellors hold a small number of lower-cost slots; it is always worth asking.
• What is your cancellation policy? A 48-hour notice period is common, and late cancellations are often chargeable in full.
• How do I pay, and when? Bank transfer, card or invoicing, usually in advance or on the day.
• Do you offer online or telephone sessions? Useful to know if travel, illness or caring responsibilities might interrupt things.
• How do breaks and holidays work? Ask whether you pay for weeks you do not attend.

Boundaries, Confidentiality and Practical Arrangements

Feeling safe depends on clear boundaries, so it is worth clarifying these before you begin.

• What are the limits of confidentiality? Everything you say is private except where there is serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where a court orders disclosure.
• How do you keep notes, and how long do you store them? Ask where records are held and how they are protected.
• What happens if we see each other outside sessions? Most counsellors will follow your lead and not approach you first.
• Is there contact between sessions? Clarify whether emails, texts or calls are welcome, and what to do in a crisis.
• How will we review progress? A check-in every few weeks, or a longer review every few months, keeps the work purposeful.

Trusting Your Instincts

Pay attention to how you feel during that first contact. Did they listen without rushing you? Did they answer your questions directly, or deflect them? Did they explain things in plain language rather than jargon? Were they honest about the limits of what they offer?

You are allowed to say you would like time to think, and you are allowed to contact more than one counsellor before deciding. You are also allowed to change your mind later — if after a few sessions something is not working, say so. A skilled counsellor will either adapt, or help you find someone better suited. Asking good questions at the start is simply the beginning of that honest, collaborative work.