Your psychologist will ask you a variety of questions to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The specific questions will depend on the reason for your visit and your individual circumstances. However, some common questions include:
General Information:
- What brings you in today?
- What are your concerns?
- What are your goals for therapy?
- Can you tell me about your family history?
- Can you tell me about your childhood?
- What are your current living arrangements?
- What is your occupation?
- How would you describe your relationships with others?
Mental Health:
- Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition?
- Are you currently taking any medications?
- Have you ever experienced any traumatic events?
- How would you describe your mood?
- Do you have any worries or anxieties?
- Do you experience any thoughts of harming yourself or others?
Behavioral:
- How would you describe your sleep patterns?
- How would you describe your appetite?
- Do you have any substance use issues?
- Do you engage in any self-harming behaviors?
- How would you describe your energy levels?
Personal Experiences:
- Can you tell me about a time you felt happy?
- Can you tell me about a time you felt sad?
- Can you tell me about a time you felt angry?
- Can you tell me about a time you felt anxious?
- Can you tell me about a time you felt overwhelmed?
Thoughts and Beliefs:
- What are your thoughts about yourself?
- What are your thoughts about others?
- What are your thoughts about the future?
- What are your values and beliefs?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Your psychologist will also likely ask you to complete some questionnaires or assessments to gain a better understanding of your mental health. The questions they ask are designed to help them understand your unique situation and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.