If you’re experiencing any form of perinatal distress, a therapist can be an instrumental piece in feeling better. However, therapy puts you in a vulnerable position, and this is a sensitive time in your life. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a therapist that’s a good fit. Many people don’t know this, but you can and should interview multiple counsellors before deciding on one.
Now, this is easier when you’re working with small private practices. It does get tricky when you’re dealing with larger counselling agencies or practices with long waitlists. You may see an intake worker first who will take your intake to the rest of the team to determine which counsellor would be a good fit based on personality, experience, training, and caseload. Under these circumstances, you may not get to choose who you see, but you can still ask questions. If it’s not working out, you can request to see someone else. They may or may not be able to accommodate you.
Questions To Ask
1. Do you have training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), reproductive or maternal mental health?
Technically, there isn’t a difference between PMADs and “normal” mood and anxiety disorders. However, I would argue that maternal mental health is a unique experience with distinct meaning that requires awareness, understanding, and possibly a different approach. If you can’t find a counsellor with specialized training, that’s okay! Not having training doesn’t automatically mean that they can’t help. Alternatively, if you find a counsellor with the training, but otherwise it’s not a good fit, you can find someone who is.
2. What is your therapeutic approach?
There are various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Brief Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and talk therapy to name a few. The therapeutic process may vary depending on the approach.
3. Do you give homework?
Some approaches like CBT and DBT give homework. You may be expected to complete specific tasks in between therapy sessions. This could be doing worksheets, completing mood logs or trackers, reading a particular book, exercising, or taking time for yourself, for example. While it’s important to apply what you’ve learned in therapy, it can also be challenging to do homework as a new parent. If you don’t think you can do this, please talk to your clinician.
4. Can I bring my baby? If so, are you comfortable with me breastfeeding during the session?
Therapy can be an opportunity for you to take some time for yourself. However, it can be challenging to find child care. Maybe you’re uncomfortable leaving your baby, or your baby is exclusively breastfed. Therefore, finding a therapist who supports bringing your baby to sessions may be helpful.
5. Do you have flexible hours (i.e., evenings, weekends)?
This is important if you plan to have your partner or working grandparents watch your baby while you’re at these sessions.
6. How much do you charge, and are you covered by extended health benefits or employee assistance program (EAP)
Generally, most therapists will charge about the same per 50-minute session. Some new or student counsellors may charge less. It’s always good to know the cost so you’re prepared.
In terms of insurance coverage, each insurance provider has different criteria for coverage of psychological services. It’s important to review your coverage details. Your therapist may or may not be able to guarantee that their services will be covered. Still, they can provide their education credentials or license number, which helps determine coverage.
If you have an employee assistance program (EAP) through your employer, you may be eligible for a certain amount of sessions for free. However, you will have to use their EAP provider. You can find this information through your employer.
7. What is your cancellation policy?
It can be hard to make appointments with kids. particularly with a new baby. Generally, you must cancel within 24-48 hours or you may be required to pay the cost of the session.
8. It may also be helpful to ask how they think therapy can help you and what the treatment plan will look like.
These are just some examples. You can ask what you think is important.
Questions To Ask Yourself
After your consult, ask yourself:
•Do I trust this person?
•Did they have a good understanding of my situation?
•Did their responses resonate with me?
•Does this feel positive?
•Do I feel safe and secure?
•Did I feel heard and respected?
•Am I ready? If not, what do I need to be ready?
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