Such great advice, Devon! I did therapy for several years, and I find myself identifying with quite a lot of what you just wrote.

My therapist was an older man and sort of traditional, but we ended up really clicking. He never made me feel like I was being judged for what I was talking about, and he was always ready to brainstorm with me about practical ideas.

After the first year, things really took off. Our level of mutual trust sort of gelled, and sessions became so productive.

I really owe him a lot, because while I present as an extrovert, I’m really painfully shy and more likely to hide inside myself than make real friends.

He and I found ways for me to reach out and connect with people that I don’t think I ever would have discovered on my own.

And it really worked because as you say, we were a fit for each other. I endorse your advice in terms of urging people to shop around and find someone who really works for them.