Oh wow, I didn't realize it was "faze" - I went and googled it (because "faze" looks kind of funny, I never see it, and really... how often do we get to use words with the letter "Z"?!) and of course you're right. Thanks, I'm sure this will save me future embarrassment!

I completely agree with you, that type of "I do it all, whatever is needed" description is very generic and unhelpful.

I wonder if you just need to ask for specificity more... well, specifically? Like...

... "That's great. Could you tell me a little what types of training of therapy you've received training in?"

... "I understand that you personalize treatment. How wonderful! What would you say are the top three modalities you use?"

Or if you know what you want, you could ask directly... "I'm really hoping to find someone with expertise in psychodynamic work. What training have you done in that area? How much experience do you have working with that modality?"

Oh... a fun one could be... "Could you describe a bit how your approach might differ with different clients? How do you identify what type of therapy would work best, and how might that therapy look different to one client, versus another type of therapy you'd use with someone else?"

Personally, I think a big part of this isn't really the actual answers they give... it's HOW they answer. Do they understand the question? Do they show any kind of *deep* understanding of human nature by correctly understanding why you're asking, and addressing that? Are they defensive when you ask about experience or training? How do they handle it if you ask them something they don't know?

At one point, I had been diagnosed by a specialist with a dissociative disorder. In her report, she mentioned that I needed "phase oriented therapy", which I had never heard of. So, upon meeting a potential new therapist (who had experience with dissociative disorders), I asked... "Can you tell me a little about phase oriented therapy? Is that something you do?". The woman got incredibly defensive, and said... "I've been doing therapy longer than you've been alive!".

I wasn't trying to rile her up. I actually had assumed she knew what it was, and was genuinely looking for help in understand the report. Her response really shocked me. It seems like a therapist should have a bit more self-control than that, and should be able to admit that they don't know something. Needless to say, I didn't end up working with that one!

Good luck! I hope you can find someone helpful!