Have Therapy Questions? We Can Help Answer Them

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

 What are some therapy questions?

There are a number of therapy questions that may come up during sessions that are meant to get to the root of any issues and bring about positive psychology and problem solving. Since many therapy techniques have overlaps, there are a few common therapy questions you can prepare for:

• How do you see the problem?
• How would you define the biggest challenge you’re facing?
• How would you describe your mood?
• Do you feel connected to people around you?
• What positive changes do you want to make in your life?
• Tell me what you know of music therapy, gestalt therapy, relationship therapy, etc.? 

The above questions are just surface level examples that may come up during therapy coaching. Additionally, the specific questions you may be faced with are dependent upon the type of therapy. Gestalt therapy, for example, places an emphasis on personal responsibility and any questions you are asked may reflect that. Music therapy, on the other hand, may have questions focused more on what a certain sound means to you. Questions therapists ask often have underlying meanings or are used to get to know a client a little better. A therapist may also have you file out forms such as an attributional style questionnaire to see what therapy technique will work best, such as positive cbt treatment for managing energy tension. Answer therapy questions honestly in order to begin goal setting and creating a positive psychology. 

What are the five stages of therapy?

The stages of therapy can differ based on therapy techniques and a therapy session. However, for the most part, the five stages are: initial disclosure, in-depth exploration, commitment to action, counseling intervention, evaluation. The first stage is where therapy questions will be asked based on therapy type, such as gestalt therapy or music therapy. This is also the stage where the root of the problem will be determined, and you may fill out forms such as an attributional style questionnaire. The second stage is a content analysis where a therapist will review medically relevant information and review the answers to good questions in order to gain a feel for a client’s mindset. The third stage of therapy is where a plan begins to be formed about how tension and stress can be reduced in a client’s life. For example, a therapist may determine music therapy is the best approach and ask you to bring instruments if you are a musician. The fourth is where the therapist will focus on guiding you throughout the treatment plan and therapeutic process. The final stage is the end of the process of therapy and hopefully the emergence of a positive psychology in regard to the issue.

What are the 3 types of therapy?

The main three types of therapy used are: psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, and humanistic therapy. The first involves looking at the subconscious actions of a person and their decisions, the second focuses on behavior, and the third focuses more on an individual as a person. Questions therapists ask in therapy coaching will be structured based on the type of therapy, as will the content analysis. Gestalt therapy and music therapy are two examples that may use a blend of the above three types during therapy techniques. All three of the main types of therapies have subsets such as talk therapy and online therapy, as well as group therapy. Additionally, treatment plans may look different from type to type. For example, positive cbt exercises may be recommended based on a patient health questionnaire or attributional style questionnaire, whereas pure therapy questions may be used in talk therapy. Music therapy may consist of a client listening to music and giving their thoughts on how it relates to their emotions, rather than positive cbt exercises, and treatment in gestalt therapy may be more introspective.

What should I not tell my therapist?

In short, you get out of therapy what you put in. There isn’t anything you should really not tell your therapist, as withholding information will only hinder therapy techniques. Even if you are wondering the meaning behind something as simple as a song or what you are playing in music therapy, go ahead and ask. Therapy questions, especially good questions, are meant to get to the root of an issue and therapists are usually skilled at extracting information. However, it’s best not to withhold any information and to contribute any missing pieces during the content analysis stage of therapy. Reducing tension and stress can only be done by establishing a communicative therapeutic relationship. Whether it is music therapy, gestalt therapy, or something else entirely, be open and honest with your therapist, especially on a patient health questionnaire. A patient health questionnaire will help a therapist gain a sense of your physical health and mental health, which is a key first step in building a therapeutic relationship that is effective.

Can you ask your personal therapist questions?

As far as your life goes, nothing is off the table in terms of questions during a therapy session. In fact, asking questions can help establish a therapeutic relationship that can reduce tensions and stress. Therapy questions are often insightful, and questions are often encouraged by therapists. In music therapy, you may be inclined to ask your therapist their own thoughts on music, for example. Some types of therapy, as with music therapy, work better in a conversation style. As for asking therapists about their own personal life, you’re allowed to ask your therapist anything, but they may not answer for a number of reasons. Many therapists believe in a blank wall or mirror approach to a therapy session and will keep their life out of things so as to not accidentally project. With that said, a therapeutic relationship will sometimes be more open and a therapist may feel willing to answer therapy questions you ask about their life.

Is it OK to cry in therapy?

Crying, ranting, raging, talking, laughing, and every other form of emotion are all a part of the therapy experience. Don’t worry about expressing your emotions or hiding your feelings while in a therapy session, as those feelings can actually help a therapist gain insight into your situation or problem. Music therapy, for example, may not be as emotionally moving as deep talk therapy. Pay attention to your emotions and allow yourself to let your emotions flow naturally. Questions therapists ask may get difficult and things may become emotional, but it is all part of the many therapy techniques that exist. Pay attention to your feelings and feel free to let your therapist know if you need a minute to compose yourself or think. Whether it is gestalt therapy, music therapy, relationship therapy, family member therapy, solution focused brief therapy, or another type, allow your emotions to flow naturally.

Which type of therapy is best?

There is no single best type of therapy, and what works most effectively depends on the client and therapy session. For some, music therapy may be where they are most comfortable managing energy tension, whereas gestalt therapy may be best for others. A solution focused brief therapy strategy may work excellently for others, whereas some may prefer a humanistic approach. Examples of questions therapists ask and what a therapy session may look like is entirely determined by a person’s comfort level and style, for example music therapy vs. gestalt therapy. A therapist may use something similar to an attributional style questionnaire in order to see which strategy would work best for you in managing energy tension. Overall, there is no single one best type of therapy and they all have their pros and cons. Music therapy looks different that gestalt therapy, and whichever therapy type works best depends on your personality.