Switching T's???

The Dbt group I attend at a university nearby is run by grad student and I really like the leader. Thinking about seeing him instead but not sure how to tell T that. Any ideas???

Have you checked with the leader that it would be ok for you to do individual therapy with them first? maybe if you talked to him, he could also give you some ideas

If the DBT leader agrees to see you, then Just tell your T you found a better fit. It is a business arrangement and your allowed to quit at any time for no reason. Good luck. If you pay with insurance , make sure they will pay him too as he is a grad student.

Is "liking" the best criterion for choosing a T?

You might want to talk to your current T about it. Be honest-- you won't hurt his/her feelings. Explain why and s/he might have some insight on what might be best for you. If your T and you arrive at the conclusion that the other T would be a better fit, s/he can pave the way for you. Even if you disagree, you can still call the other T for his availability. No matter what, I think there is much to be learned from having a conversation like this with current T and IMO, it is better to begin a new T relationship after closing things out with the current T, rather than running away.

Does the T know about the DBT group? If you attend the university, I would just tell your current you are interested in terminating with him in a week or two because you are interested in seeing someone at the university you have met and are working with.

It has been well studied that the absolute best factor in therapy.. the single thing that is consistently the best indicator of a positive outcome, is the fit between therapist and client. Every other factor, including type of therapy and type of credentials, pales in comparison.

It really is *all* about the relationship