1. Someone who can offer a flexible session schedule because of my line of work.

2. Someone with a lot of experience. I didn't know how important this was until I started working with someone with a lot of experience. It is a totally different type of experience - in a positive way.

3. Someone who is flexible when it comes to communicating outside of session (eg. email & phone). I rarely use these methods, but I like to know that I can utilize them if necessary.

4. Someone who can set good boundaries, but again, be flexible if need be. I like boundaries and to stay within them, but also appreciate when some can be stretched if the need arises.

5. Someone who keeps the session focussed on me, but who is also willing to take "breaks" during sessions and talk about pointless things if the material is difficult.

6. Most importantly, someone who genuinely understands me. They don't need to have had the same experiences as me, but when a therapist can describe how you feel or how you are viewing a situation exactly right....you know there is a deep understanding. Being understood and experiencing that type of validation has been one of the most healing aspects of therapy for me. I thought my previous therapist understood me, but he didn't. It was empty words from him compared to my current T.