[lastyearisblank]

Hi, new member here looking for a new psychotherapist after a couple of efforts. My previous therapy experiences have bombed, although I had one good one a long time ago. He really seemed to understand me (and that makes me want to try for more, even despite the s***ty experiences since!!).

I know there are a million different therapies and intellectual approaches to counselling, but I am really curious what makes a therapist hit-or-miss for the members here.

How did you know that your doctor was the right one for you?

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by lastyearisblank

How did you know that your doctor was the right one for you?

I wasn't really looking for a magical match so my expectations weren't that high. Maybe that helped me not put so much pressure on the new relationship. What really influenced me to think therapy with this therapist would work is that at our first session, I got a very strong sense that he could help me with my problem(s). He had expertise in my area of need, demonstrated insight, and showed he could look beneath the surface (and I didn't even prompt him for that--he just naturally coughed up the goods). When I listened to him talk, I just felt he could help me. And I really needed help. He gave me hope, all in the space of one session. If I had met with him for 50 minutes and not gotten the sense that he could help me, I would not have gone back.

Best of luck in your search for a therapist. And welcome to PC.

[WikidPissah]

I seriously didn't think anyone would "click" with me. I had some bad T relationships, and was feeling like there was no way anyone would get me. My PDOC insisted I be in T, and since he knew me for over 3 years I trusted him to pick someone in his group. It was a really good match, of course I didn't know that until about the 8th or 9th visit ...lol. I knew he was right when I "spaced" at an appointment, and he caught it, leaned in and talked me back. He made me safe before he let me leave. I had several T's and spaced on a regular basis, but none of them ever noticed.

[WePow]

Honestly, I put my request out to the universe and my T came to me.

[lastyearisblank]

Hehe, thanks everyone! I'll be on the lookout for a therapist who "leans forward" so to speak....

[SpiritRunner]

I wasn't 'looking' either.....I just asked my dr. about short-term counseling for what I thought could be taken care of after a few sessions....although I was aware that the root was deeper than the actual issue at the time. So he gave me a referral...when she called me about the referral, I loved her voice...it sounded so warm and kind. And when I went, I simply had a feeling that I could trust her, I felt comfortable with her and with talking to her, and I just liked her style - she was straightforward and clear. She was also obviously smart and knew her stuff, warm and professional at the same time. So.....she just felt right....and I kept going and turns out she was the right one for me!