I was an undergraduate psychology student when my current therapist and another colleague of his held a free therapy group for undergrad psych students (they were graduate students at the time). For three months, I was able to see how they both worked with me and others. At the end of the group, they said they were also available for individual therapy, which I had been postponing for a while. It was a difficult choice for me between them because I wanted a female therapist but the man who is currently my therapist was by far the better prepared one. He had had years of training while his female colleague was just beginning, and it showed even though they were both good. Eventually I stuck with the therapist that was a better fit for my needs and I'm glad I did (even though it turned out his colleague was offering free therapy and he charged me). I would not have made such deep changes with the other therapist and I would not be where I am today without my therapist.

I feel very fortunate to have had this unique opportunity to really experience those therapists' work before I picked one, and that they were so good in spite of their lack of experience. I know most people go directly into individual sessions with a therapist they don't know and I think that takes a lot of courage.