So you’ve identified a potential therapist with whom you’d like to work, and you’ve booked a consultation. Good job! Things are moving in a positive direction. 

Here is the first of 5 questions you can ask a potential therapist to see if that therapist would be a good fit. 

1. “What’s your theory of change?” 

A therapist's theory of change refers to the underlying beliefs, principles, and techniques they use to facilitate positive transformation in their clients. Different therapists may subscribe to various theories of change, which guide their approach to therapy. These theories can influence how you experience this therapist during sessions. 

As an Existential, Humanistic and Solution-Focused therapist, my theory of change is this: I believe that individuals have the capacity for self-awareness, self-direction, and growth. People come to therapy already motivated to change. People have good ideas for how to improve their lives. And people are much more likely to act on these ideas when they feel supported by an empathic, interested person who believes that they can and will get better.   

I wish I discovered this concept myself but it’s actually known as the Pygmalion effect. This effect describes how positive or negative expectations of another person can impact that person's performance. The Pygmalion effect is well established and evidence based, and is often used by educators to improve their students’ performances. 

I have witnessed the Pygmalion effect during my decade of clinical work with creatives and other professionals. Since I view my clients as capable, resourceful and resilient, they begin to see themselves similarly.

I don’t have to pretend to view my clients this way. I’m not ‘faking it.’ I truly have the best clients: they get better and better each and every session. All it takes to notice this improvement is the question, “what is one small step you've taken since our last session that you're proud of?” What follows this question are stories of folks doing the hard thing, following through in ways that surprised them, changing a problem pattern, choosing self-care over self-harm, and caring for themselves and others better than before. 

“Theories of change” are not exclusive to therapists; surely you have your own theory on how people change. So before your next consultation with a therapist, please ask yourself, “What is a time when I changed something about myself? What was the ‘secret sauce’ there, how did I do it and could I do some of it again? What would be the ideal role of a therapist for me now?”

I would love to hear your feedback on this post as well as your best hopes from doing therapy. Please share your thoughts with me at jeremyfaintherapy@gmail.com.