Hi Kirby!

Sorry you have to change therapists.

First I get the details out of the way. You already know you want a female T around your age or older. Next I figure out which Ts take my insurance, are they accepting new patients, is their location workable, and if their therapy style comes close to what I am looking for. Do they specialize or have special interest in the issues I am dealing with? I always prefer psychodynamic T's. Maybe you have a preference, too.

Right now I see a Psy.D., while training is important, fit is more important. I would see a LCSW, etc. if we got along and I thought she could help.

During the interview I find out how much longer they plan to be in practice at their location (are they planning to retire, move or change jobs soon?) I ask about availability, out of session contact (do they accept out of session phone or email contact? What is their preference?) Do they have admitting privileges...if not, do they have a plan should I need admission? How long is our session? I ask things like that.You may not get to know all this material on the first visit.

Next, I figure out if she is a good fit. Does she seem calm and knowledgeable? Although I like a T who self-discloses a little as it seems appropriate - does she use the session to vent about herself or does she reflect back to me? I will not stay with a T who insists I do this or that. If we disagree, my expectation is that T helps me explore these issues. But I have final say.

The patient drives therapy.

That's just my brief take on finding a new T.