Den2542 To meet with a new therapist I would have a list of questions for her/him...questions like if I have an issue I need to talk to you about can I contact you or does it go to a bunch of different therapists that are in the practice. Question #2 - how many years have you been practicing? #3 - what type of therapy do you practice? #4 Do you have experience dealing with people that have my diagnosis? #5 What questions do you have for me? Beyond that I would bring a notebook with your questions and a listing of the highlights of your life so far. Also tell him what you expect to get outta therapy? That's all I can think of now. OH another question: #6 Do you keep in touch with my psychiatrist? Very important! If you have any other questions let me know. Thanks,

I picked my therapist using certain criteria. I am older and I wanted someone around my age because they would understand what the couture was like in the 60s. Also, one thing that I hat is platitudes. The therapist I had before him said all sorts of clichés that were very superficial. I like genuine people. Give the therapist a shot, sometimes it takes a few sessions to fell comfortable with them. If not, you can try someone else.

For me..I don't like to be pushed or forced into talking or doing anything. I've never liked counselors no matter who till about two years ago..an I never would see a man..for me that's a big no no..when I was in Montana an my Mom passed away I knew I needed some counseling for grief..there was only one in the town where I lived an was a man so I knew deep deep in my heart I really needed some help so I went to Theo...he was totally awesome...we always started out with me talking..not him asking...after that he would lead with some questions... another thing he did for me that really really helped me a little... depending what we were talking about..loss of my Mom, confidence in myself...he had work books on many many different subjects.. he would copy me a couple chapters at a time so i could work on them between visits

Thank you Sunshine. This is good advice. Thank you

For me, when meeting a new therapist or psych I need them to actually give me feedback that they are listening to me. I’ve had therapists just continue to stay silent and type the entire time and let me talk, it didn’t help me I need communication. Part of therapy for me is to gain more communication skills because I struggle with communication on a daily basis and with mental health on top of that, it’s a huge uh oh.