Choosing Support
What to Ask Before Starting CBT
You may have heard that CBT is practical and still wonder what a session would actually involve. Marie identifies her approach as cognitive behavioral therapy. A first conversation can clarify how that approach would be adapted to your concerns.
Request a Consultation
Ask How Your Goals Are Set
A useful goal describes a change that matters in your life, such as spending less time replaying a conversation or finding a workable way to begin tasks. Ask how you and the therapist would decide what to focus on and how progress would be discussed.
Ask About the Work Between Sessions
Some CBT work may include trying an idea or noticing a pattern outside the session. Ask what that might look like and explain any limitations in your schedule or circumstances. You can discuss an approach that feels collaborative rather than guessing what is expected.
Ask How Context Fits
Thoughts do not occur in a vacuum. Relationships, practical pressures, identity, and past experiences can all be relevant to understanding a situation. You can ask how the therapist makes room for that context and how disagreements about an interpretation are handled.
Clarify the Starting Arrangements
Marie offers a free 15-minute consultation. Routine individual sessions are listed at $200 for 50 minutes. Ask about the initial appointment fee and applicable terms before scheduling.
Questions You May Have
Is CBT just positive thinking?
Ask how the approach is used for your particular concern. The aim is not simply to replace every difficult thought with a cheerful one.
Can I say an exercise does not fit?
Yes. Discuss what feels useful, difficult, or unsuitable so the plan can be considered collaboratively.
Marie Sarte, LCSW
A conversation is a place to start.
Request a free 15-minute consultation to discuss fit and practical questions.
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