This is very much what I have found issues with personally in the forest where I reside irl. I have not found them to be particularly (or at all) concerned for my welfare. I have not felt heard or understood, no matter how I deliver the message. I have found that more than one therapist has compromised the therapeutic relationship, as they violated my trust. With one therapist in particular, I was there to ''feed'' him, I did not realise this for a long time as I thought I was paying him to listen to me and to help me explore, heal etc. I am sure that therapist has been very helpful to some...… I was not one of them. He also said something very mean about an acquaintance of mine... I am not at all sure that that therapist was more ''mentally healthy'' than I was or am. I had some issues with trust when I began therapy. While that individual did start some ''fruitful'' therapy with me, he then bit on, violated and ultimately rejected the ''fruit'' we were creating together, and me.

Sorry about the long rant. I have found few (if any) in real life who want to listen to me. Also I find it easier to type sometimes than to talk to a professional.

''a sense of both the ability and the desire to work together'' - this is important. I am thinking of what my requirements are/would be in a therapist and this would be one of them. Also they need both the ability and desire to listen .. (obvious I think)

ETA I might start a thread with some of this and also a question.

Hugs and respect to all