6) Your therapist is working within their area of expertise
Therapists are held to an ethical standard that they are practicing within the scope of their competency and expertise. The majority of clinicians have significant experience and training in numerous clinical areas, treatment interventions, and populations. When searching for a provider, clients should ensure that the therapist has specific training and experience concerning the issue they are seeking treatment for. Therapists should be open and transparent in discussing their areas of expertise with prospective clients as well as any areas that are not within their scope of practice.
7) Their availability aligns with what works best for your schedule
Some psychological concerns require more intensive treatment than others. It is important that therapists are able to provide availability that meets the needs of the client before committing to treatment, such as the ability to schedule more than one therapy session per week. Additionally, therapists often have varying hours that they are available. For instance, some therapists work later hours to accommodate for clients that need availability after work, while others may work on the weekends. It is best for the client to determine their preferred availability to participate in therapy and ensure the therapist’s schedule aligns with their specific needs.
8) Tools, strategies, techniques, and resources to utilize outside of the session are discussed
Therapeutic work happens both inside and outside of the therapy session. Therapists should provide resources and other tools for clients (again tailored and individualized) to use and work on to enhance and reinforce the work that occurs within the therapy session.
9) You consider your therapist trustworthy and approachable
Trust is also a vital component of the therapeutic alliance and arguably THE most important aspect of building a strong bond between the therapist and the client. One way trust can be fostered over time involves the therapist seeking to genuinely understand the client’s concerns and point of view through active listening, being present and focused during the session, and asking thoughtful questions. Additionally, the therapist expressing empathy and validation toward the client’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences, as well as building confidence and faith within the client that they are able to help are also signs of trust-building.
10) They ask for feedback
Therapists initiating receiving feedback from their clients to assess how the overall therapeutic experience is going is integral in providing successful therapy outcomes and continuing to foster the therapeutic alliance. Periodic “check-ins” can be helpful in evaluating therapy goals, interventions, and treatment planning to adapt to the client’s unique needs throughout the therapeutic process and reinforce collaboration, open communication, and rapport.

Thank you Steven and Xavier

Xavier is typing truth! There are a lot of good therapists out there, and a lot who haven't a clue about the list that Xavier has offered. They can do a bunch of harm if you are not careful. It has to be a good fit. If not-simply walk away and keep looking.

Connection is key but you have to lose that control and let the therapist do what he or she is trained to do

I’m in the same boat , tbh. I’ve been reluctant to seek out a therapist due my numerous failed attempts with others in the past , although I should probably give it another go. My issue primarily has been a lack of connection. So I would like to think that connection is key when seeking out a therapist.