What to say to a mental health counselor?
Asked by: Prof. Marina Turcotte | Last update: February 20, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (40 votes)
How to start a conversation with a counselor?
Prepare What to Say: Think about the specific issues or feelings you want to discuss. You might write down your thoughts or questions to help organize them. Choose a Good Time: If possible, try to find a time when the counselor isn't too busy. You might want to visit during non-class hours or ask for an appointment.
How do you say thank you to your counselor?
- Tell a Friend. Therapists love when someone contacts them and shares they were referred by a friend, family member, or neighbor who had a great experience. ...
- Write a Note. ...
- Do the Feedback Survey. ...
- Send an Occasional Update. ...
- Share in a Local Facebook Group. ...
- Give Stars. ...
- Just Ask.
What are good questions for the counselor?
- What brings you here today?
- Have you ever seen a counselor/therapist/psychologist before?
- What do you see as being the biggest problem in your life right now?
- How does this problem make you feel?
- What makes the problem better?
How do I prepare to talk to a counselor?
Journal Before the Session
Having an idea of what you need help with and want to discuss can give your therapist an idea of how they can guide you through your healing process. Journaling before your therapy sessions will let you see what's most burdensome to you or what you're not ready to talk about just yet.
4 Things NOT to Say to Your Therapist
What are three open-ended questions for mental health?
- What brings you here today?
- What positive changes would you like to see happen in your life?
- What do you expect from the counseling process?
- What do you view as the biggest problem?
- How have you been feeling lately?
What to write to a counselor?
- Introduce Yourself. Start by introducing yourself and briefly explaining why you are contacting the therapist.
- Be Brief and Concise. ...
- Express Your Needs and Expectations. ...
- Provide Essential Details. ...
- Ask Questions. ...
- Proofread. ...
- Reassure Confidentiality.
How do you express gratitude humbly?
- This means a lot. Though simple, it is precise. ...
- This makes me feel… You fill in the rest! ' ...
- This reminds me of … ...
- Your support means more than you know. ...
- I feel honored. ...
- I can't wait to return the favor. ...
- I'm grateful for you. ...
- I will always remember this.
How do you show appreciation to your counselor?
Bring them a special gift or treat. In the announcements, acknowledge and thank your school counselor for the work they do. In the weekly email to parents, let them know about National School Counseling Week and the wonderful work that your school counselor does for their children.
What can I not tell a therapist?
- Try not to tell your therapist lies. ...
- Try not to tell your therapist only part of the story. ...
- Don't tell your therapist details that are unrelated to you. ...
- Try not to downplay or exaggerate symptoms related to your mental health.
What are good counselling phrases?
- “It's understandable that you feel that way.”
- “Most people would feel the same in your situation.”
- “You have every right to feel angry/sad/afraid.”
- “I hear how confused you must feel, and it makes sense given the circumstances you've described.”
What should I tell my counselor?
- Your strengths and things you are good at. ...
- Any problems you have with sleep. ...
- Medications you take and any changes in medication. ...
- Major physical health concerns. ...
- The most stressful periods of your life…even if they happened a long time ago. ...
- Anyone you want us to talk to.
What to say to a mental health therapist?
Be Honest and Open. Therapy is a place for you to open up. It's a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can be honest about how you feel, what you think, and experiences you've had in the past. Even those things that make you uncomfortable or cause you anxiety can — and should — be discussed.
What are good questions to ask my therapist?
- Question 1: What problems/challenges/symptoms will you help me with? ...
- Question 2: What is your explanation for why I have the problems/challenges/symptoms I have? ...
- Question 3: What do you think is the ultimate goal of this treatment?
What do I talk to a Counsellor about?
- a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder.
- an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility.
- a difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress.
- difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger.
What is the strongest word for thank you?
- Much obliged. When my coworker lent me the book I've been eager to read, I said, “Much obliged,” and assured him I'd return it by next week.
- I sincerely appreciate it. ...
- I'm most grateful. ...
- Please accept my deepest gratitude. ...
- I'm forever indebted. ...
- Many thanks.
What is a good sentence for gratitude?
I sent him some money as a token of my gratitude. I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude to the staff for their patience. They deserve our gratitude for all the work they do. We owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her services.
How do you write a heartfelt appreciation message?
- Thanks for your help with [specific action or situation].
- I really appreciate all of your hard work.
- You've been so helpful with [specific action or situation].
How do you say thank you to a counselor?
Dear School Counselors, Thank you for being a main source of continuity for students amidst changes and challenges both inside and outside of school. Your thoughtful encouragement and consistent presence helps students to feel seen and supported. Thank you for reaching beyond the school walls to support families.
What to message a therapist?
Include your name and contact information, and why you're reaching out. It's important to be honest and straightforward about why you're looking for support. Remember, no matter what your reasons are for seeking therapy, your therapist is there to listen, and won't judge you.
How do you write a counselor note?
- Be Clear and Concise. Therapy notes should be straight to the point but contain enough information to give others a clear picture of what transpired. ...
- Remain Professional. ...
- Write for Everyone. ...
- Use SOAP. ...
- Focus on Progress and Adjust as Necessary.
What are good mental health questions?
- “How are you feeling today? ...
- “Has anything happened recently that made you feel happy, sad, or worried?”
- “When you feel upset or stressed, what helps you feel better?”
- “Have you ever felt like your mind is full of thoughts? ...
- “Have you noticed changes in your mood or energy lately?
How to answer what brings you to therapy?
- Reflect on Your Reasons. Before your first session, take some time to reflect on why you decided to seek therapy. ...
- Be Honest and Open. Therapy is a safe space where honesty is crucial. ...
- Identify Specific Issues. ...
- Share Your Goals. ...
- Consider Recent Events.
What are deep questions to ask?
- What does happiness mean to you, and how do you pursue it?
- How do you define success in life?
- What core values guide your actions and decisions?
- Do you have a personal philosophy that shapes your outlook on life?
- What do you think the purpose of life is?