When choosing a psychotherapist you want to make sure that the person you’re going to sit with and confide in is someone that feels like a good fit for you. Basic respect and consideration for being on time and returning telephone calls will go a long way to help you feel comfortable with the process. You may need to meet more than one therapist to find someone that you like.

The therapist’s training is also important to consider. All therapists have to earn an M.D., Doctorate, or Masters’s Degree. But these degrees are often attained relatively early in a career. Inquire what therapists have been doing for training after they received their academic degree. If therapists haven’t had formal training in their specialty since they left school their skills may potentially be limited and outdated. It isn’t a good sign if therapists are uncomfortable or defensive when you ask them about their training.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapists are required to have rigorous post-degree training in a Psychoanalytic Institute. This involves two to five years of classes, supervised work, and personal psychotherapy.