I like those older than I am, not because of any transference issues but for life experience. They've practiced longer and lived longer. I know a great deal just having lived to 57 so I don't want to be dealing with someone 37; been there, done that and know they can't understand the thoughts and feelings I'm having now about getting older because they haven't gotten there yet. Even if they have treated people older than themselves, I don't think they will have treated enough to convince me they can make up for their own lack of personal experience. They'd have to be a very special person, working primarily in geriatrics to maybe work for me but I probably wouldn't give them the chance.

If I can tell someone is younger than I am, they'd be too young; if I'm unsure, I might be okay with them. But too, it would depend on my issues at the time. Right now it's with getting older so I want an older therapist dealing with some of the same issues.