One thing I think is really important is that the therapist be trained / experienced in whatever issue you want to deal with. For example, when I first started therapy I was actively self injuring, and was not yet ready to stop. So I wanted a therapist who understood self-injury and was prepared to discuss it with me, and how it fit into my coping mechnanisms. I don't know if this is an issue for you, but it's a definite benchmark for me, as i've received all kinds of different reactions to my disclosure of self injury from mental health professionals over the years.

If you have any special considerations, such as wanting a gay positive therapist, or a Christian oriented therapist those are worth asking questions about.

The most important factor though is that you feel absolutely safe talking with the therapist.
Good luck.

--splitimage