From the author: How to choose a psychologist? This question is often asked on this site. My note is aimed at helping you choose your psychologist. It is no secret that choosing a psychologist/psychotherapist is a responsible and sometimes very difficult matter. For some, when making a choice, it is enough to “feel in their hearts”: yes, this is “my” psychologist, but for others it is important to build a series of evidence “in their head”, why I am turning/wanting to turn to this particular specialist? In relation to this site, you there is an opportunity to meet specialists in absentia: look at their education on their personal page, get acquainted with demo consultations, read how they position themselves. If you are still in doubt, then perhaps the questions listed here will help you choose “the one.” So, Read and mentally answer the following questions: 1. Does the specialist exhibit a wide range of behavior in forum topics, from supportive to confrontational?2. Does he avoid giving advice to those who apply?3. Does it avoid moralizing?4. Is the tone of the conversation far from condescending?5. Does the therapist avoid offering ready-made solutions before he has clarified the essence of the problem?6. Is the specialist interested in the applicant’s environment, the people who are significant to him?7. Does the specialist have a sufficient range of techniques and professional flexibility to move to another approach if the previous approach fails?8. Are you future oriented?9. Is he able to motivate those who apply for change? Does it give them a sense of hope?10. Is the therapist interested in the client's feelings?11. Is he able to tolerate the client's strong emotions?12. Does he show empathy when needed and firm stance when needed?13. Does the specialist insist on taking psychological tests?14. Does the therapist talk about himself?15. Is the specialist able to accept negativism, devaluation, claims from the client and work with them?17. Is he interested in the client’s goals, his internal resources, does he help the client achieve them? If, to most questions, the answer is YES, then there is a high probability that this is a professional. Good luck with your choice! Sincerely, clinical psychologist Oksana Nikolaevna Litvinova.