Questions To Ask A Potential Counselor​

6 Questions to inquire of a potential counselor.

Finding the right counselor can feel overwhelming and for good reason. You’re taking brave steps toward change, inviting a professional into your most personal spaces, and trusting that they’ll guide you well. That’s a big decision, and the “fit” between you and your counselor is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy.

At Nourivida Wellness, we offer paid 30-minute consultations designed to help you clarify your goals, ask questions, and determine whether our expertise and approach are the right fit for your needs or your family’s.

The Most Important Thing: You Feel Comfortable

The relationship you build with your counselor is foundational to your healing process. You should always feel safe, respected, and heard.

Below are six essential questions to ask any counselor before beginning therapy along with insights to help you interpret their answers.

1. What type of license do you have?

Not every counselor is trained the same way, so it’s important to understand their background.

• Licensed Psychologist (PhD, PsyD): Trained in psychological testing and therapy.

• Psychiatrist (MD, DO): Can prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): Provide talk therapy and mental health counseling focused on emotional, relational, and behavioral concerns.

Understanding a counselor’s credentials helps you choose someone whose training aligns with your goals, whether you’re looking for talk therapy, trauma work, or integrative emotional support.

2. What type of training and expertise do you have?

Every counselor has a unique area of focus. Some specialize in trauma, others in relationships, neurodivergence, or integrative wellness. Ask how their background connects to your specific concerns.

At Nourivida Wellness, I integrate neuroscience, psychology, nutrition, and whole-person wellness helping clients understand the mind-body connection and experience healing from multiple angles.

3. What can I expect from working with you?

This question helps you understand the counselor’s structure and process. Some therapists use treatment plans and measurable goals, while others take a more fluid, client-led approach. You’ll want someone whose process supports your preferred pace, learning style, and goals.

4. What theoretical approach do you use?

When a therapist mentions an approach like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or emotionally focused therapy (EFT) ask them to explain what that looks like in everyday life. A great counselor can translate their approach into relatable language and examples that make sense to you.

5. How many sessions do most clients attend?

There’s no fixed answer, but a counselor should be able to describe general trends based on your goals. Short-term therapy might help with immediate stress or transitions, while long-term work supports deeper emotional or relational growth.

6. How does scheduling work, and what are your hours?

Ask about the logistics online vs. in-person sessions, scheduling systems, cancellation policies, and available times. It’s important to find a schedule that fits your life and maintains consistency.

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Questions Clients Often Ask (But Don’t Always Say Out Loud)

“How do I know if we’re a good fit?”

Trust your gut after the first session or two. You should feel heard, safe, and supported not judged or rushed. If the connection doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to find someone who’s a better match.

“Is it normal to feel nervous about starting therapy?”

Absolutely. Opening up to someone new takes courage. Nervousness is a sign that you care about your healing and are stepping outside your comfort zone which is where growth begins.

“What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work?”

That’s more common than you think. Different therapists bring different styles, tools, and energy. A new approach especially one that integrates body, mind, and lifestyle can make a world of difference.

“Do you combine faith or nutrition into sessions?”

If desired, yes. At Nourivida Wellness, you can choose a path that best fits your goals: Counseling & Emotional Wellness, Nutrition Therapy, or Integrative Wellness (which blends the two). For clients who wish to include faith in their process, a faith-informed approach is available upon request.

“What’s the difference between you and a life coach or nutritionist?”

Therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained to help you uncover and heal the root causes of emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges while coaches typically focus on motivation, mindset, and accountability.

At Nourivida Wellness, nutrition therapy goes deeper than meal plans or macros. It explores how your nutrition, stress response, and lifestyle habits influence your mood, hormones, energy, and emotional regulation. Instead of prescribing diets, I help you understand your body’s signals, support nervous system balance, and create sustainable nutrition and lifestyle rhythms that align with your mental health goals.

This whole-person approach connects what you eat, how you feel, and how you function so you can experience lasting emotional and physical wellness.

Finding the right counselor isn’t about perfection it’s about connection. Ask questions, trust your intuition, and take time to find someone who feels aligned with your values and vision for growth.

If you’re ready to explore whether Nourivida Wellness is the right fit for you, schedule your 30-minute consultation to begin your path toward balance and transformation.

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Yvette E. McDonald is the owner and counselor at Nourivida Wellness, a practice for individuals, couples and families helping them discover the person/couple they were always meant to be, as they become the best version of self in their roles and relationships in the Port Saint Lucie and Martin County area. She has hand-picked each clinician based on their specialty. With a goal to build a team that is the top in our area.