Most importantly, I have to feel comfortable with them. I also like to feel they like me, to some degree, and either I like or at least respect and trust them. It's also important that my therapist and I "work together". I shy away from therapists that are too coddling or boss-like (meaning they feel I'm subordinate in the relationship). I like equality. With that in mind, it is also crucial that I don't become the more dominant/controlling figure in the relationship. I have had to quit therapists because of this, too. I've also quit therapists that seemed intimidated/scared by my manic symptoms or who reacted with excessive anger, in some cases. Countertransference and transferance issues have existed between me and several therapists in the past, which is very common! Sometimes that is actually helpful/useful. Other times just the opposite. They come in various forms. One therapist even adulated me so much that I couldn't feel comfortable with him anymore.

My current therapist is great. She really offers exactly the proper balance of what I need. I have great respect for her. A couple other therapists were also very good, but the initial relationships had some challenging issues/shaky starts. But that's good for me, too, sometimes. I tend to have great respect for people that give me frank feedback (even negative). Believe me!

Q: Do you more often compromise in decision-making between spouse/partner/sibling/friend/etc?