East Nashville Counseling: Asking a Therapist About Their Beliefs & Values

East Nashville Counseling - Therapist Beliefs & Values — East Nashville Counseling - Tim Jackson Counseling

When it comes to choosing a therapist, discussing topics like social, religious, racial, or systemic beliefs is essential. These aspects of your identity shape how you experience the world and may directly impact your mental health. If you’re looking for East Nashville counseling or online that truly meets your needs, finding a therapist who understands the influence of systemic and cultural factors on your well-being is critical. Therapy works best when it feels like a safe space where your experiences are honored and explored in context. So how do you ensure your therapist aligns with your values and can support your unique challenges? Here are some suggestions to guide you.

Start with Your Needs

Therapy is deeply personal, and feeling safe with your therapist is key to making meaningful progress. Before engaging your therapist, reflect on why these issues are important to you. Consider the role these topics play in your life and how they affect your mental health. Ask yourself: Do I want my therapist to directly engage in conversations about political and systemic issues? Do I need to know their personal stance, or am I more focused on how they navigate these topics in therapy? What will help me feel emotionally safe and supported in addressing these concerns? By clarifying your needs, you’ll approach the conversation with more confidence and purpose.

Research Their Background

Many therapists share their approaches and values on their websites or social media. Look for language that emphasizes inclusivity, social justice, or their experience working with specific populations such as LGBTQIA+ clients or BIPOC clients. For example, if you’re seeking East Nashville counseling, you might find therapists who openly discuss their commitment to supporting diverse communities or addressing systemic issues. If their public materials don’t address your concerns, that’s okay—it simply means you’ll need to ask directly. The best therapists will be prepared for these questions.

Ask Direct Questions in the First Session

Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and you have the right to ask questions to ensure the therapist is a good fit. Here are some examples of how to bring up these topics:

“I’ve been impacted by [specific issue], and I want to make sure this is something we can discuss openly. Is that a topic you feel comfortable exploring in therapy?”

Or, “Do you see systemic issues, like racism or social inequality, as relevant to mental health? How do you incorporate these into your work with clients?”

You might also ask, “I want to be sure this is a safe space for me to talk about my identity and values. Can you share how you create that kind of space for your clients?”

These questions give the therapist an opportunity to demonstrate their openness, competence, and sensitivity.

Pay Attention to Their Response

How a therapist responds to your questions says a lot about their approach and whether they’re a good fit for you. Look for signs of a supportive response: validation that acknowledges the importance of your concerns, curiosity that shows they want to understand your perspective better, and transparency that explains their approach to working with these issues without defensiveness. Be cautious if their response feels dismissive, overly vague, or avoids the topic altogether.

Use the Therapy Relationship as a Test of Trust

Once you’ve chosen a therapist, use your sessions to explore how they engage with these issues. Are they willing to challenge societal norms that harm you? Do they center your lived experience in your work together? If something feels off, don’t hesitate to revisit the conversation.

For example, you could say, “I noticed you didn’t respond when I brought up [specific issue]. Can we talk about that?” or “I need more space to process how [systemic issue] is affecting me. Can we focus on that more?”

A strong therapeutic relationship is built on open communication, and your therapist should be willing to adjust to meet your needs.

Know When It’s Time to Move On

If your therapist can’t provide the support you need, it’s okay to find someone else. Therapy should feel like a partnership where you feel heard, validated, and understood. Advocate for yourself and find someone who aligns with your values!

Conclusion

Talking about political views and systemic issues with your therapist can feel vulnerable, but it’s an important step in ensuring your therapy feels safe and effective. The right therapist will honor your experiences, respect your values, and provide a space for you to explore how these issues impact your mental health. I’m committed to creating a space where your concerns are heard and validated. Whether you’re navigating personal struggles or the weight of systemic issues, therapy can be a place where you feel seen and supported.

If you’re searching for a counselor that prioritizes your unique experiences, let’s connect and start the conversation.

Tim Jackson, LMFT is a licensed therapist in the State of Tennessee and Commonwealth of Virginia. Tim provides, individual, relationship, and group counseling in his East Nashville counseling office and online for clients in Tennessee & Virginia.

Keywords: East Nashville Counseling, East Nashville Therapist, Humans in Process