Questions to Ask Client in First Therapy Session
Essential intake questions for therapists to understand client needs, establish rapport, and create effective treatment plans during initial sessions.
1What brings you to therapy today?
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What brings you to therapy today?
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Why this works
Opens space for client to share presenting problem in own words, reveals immediate concerns.
2Have you been in therapy before? If so, what was that experience like?
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Have you been in therapy before? If so, what was that experience like?
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Why this works
Shows therapy history, previous approaches, and expectations based on past experiences.
3What are you hoping to gain from our work together?
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What are you hoping to gain from our work together?
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Why this works
Clarifies goals, success criteria, and whether expectations are realistic and achievable.
4Can you describe what's been happening that led you to seek help now?
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Can you describe what's been happening that led you to seek help now?
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Why this works
Reveals precipitating events, current stressors, and why timing matters.
5How would you describe your support system?
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How would you describe your support system?
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Why this works
Indicates available resources, isolation level, and who's in their corner.
6Are you currently taking any medications or receiving other treatment?
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Are you currently taking any medications or receiving other treatment?
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Why this works
Shows medical context, medication effects, and coordination needs with other providers.
7How have you been coping with what you're experiencing?
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How have you been coping with what you're experiencing?
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Why this works
Reveals coping strategies, both healthy and maladaptive, and resilience resources.
8Is there any history of mental health issues in your family?
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Is there any history of mental health issues in your family?
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Why this works
Indicates genetic factors, family patterns, and generational trauma considerations.
9Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else?
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Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else?
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Why this works
Essential safety assessment, crisis intervention needs, and risk management.
10What does a typical day look like for you?
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What does a typical day look like for you?
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Why this works
Provides functional assessment, routine stability, and how symptoms affect daily life.
11How are your sleep patterns? How about your appetite?
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How are your sleep patterns? How about your appetite?
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Why this works
Reveals physical symptoms of mental health issues and basic self-care functioning.
12What are your strengths? What do you do well?
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What are your strengths? What do you do well?
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Why this works
Builds on positives, empowers client, and identifies resources for treatment.
13Is there anything about your cultural background or identity I should understand?
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Is there anything about your cultural background or identity I should understand?
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Why this works
Shows cultural humility, contextual factors, and ensures culturally competent care.
14What has helped you in the past when you've faced difficulties?
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What has helped you in the past when you've faced difficulties?
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Why this works
Identifies proven coping strategies and resilience factors to build upon.
15Are there any important relationships in your life you'd like to talk about?
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Are there any important relationships in your life you'd like to talk about?
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Why this works
Reveals interpersonal patterns, attachment issues, and relational context.
16What would your life look like if therapy is successful?
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What would your life look like if therapy is successful?
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Why this works
Creates concrete vision for change, motivates progress, and measures outcomes.
17Is there anything you're worried about regarding therapy?
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Is there anything you're worried about regarding therapy?
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Why this works
Addresses fears, misconceptions, and barriers to engagement upfront.
18How do you prefer to communicate and process information?
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How do you prefer to communicate and process information?
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Why this works
Tailors approach to learning style, communication preferences, and effectiveness.
19Are there any topics you'd prefer not to discuss right now?
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Are there any topics you'd prefer not to discuss right now?
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Why this works
Respects boundaries, builds safety, and acknowledges client autonomy.
20What questions do you have for me about therapy or how we'll work together?
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What questions do you have for me about therapy or how we'll work together?
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Why this works
Empowers client voice, clarifies process, and establishes collaborative partnership.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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