Experience is important, as is intelligence. I don't think CBT would work for me, but have never tried it. I like having T whose first degree is as a psychiatrist, because it means he can also manage my medication. I found it very helpful to get a therapist who has a background in academia, because he can understand some of my work issues better than my previous therapist could.

The really important thing is having a T who understands me, though. A female T doesn't work for me - there are things I can't talk to a female about. Obviously that's my problem, not a problem with the Ts, but that's how it is.