Avoid loud, domineering or aggressive practitioners.  Therapy should be conducted in a balanced, supportive and permissive way, and you should be made to feel that you are welcome, and that you are important one here, not the therapist.
If the sessions are to be taped, you should ask why.  This is not normal procedure and you have a right to object, unless it is something that has been agreed between you and the therapist.  One can doubt the value of such a practice if your confidentiality is to be protected, and that is something you have a right to expect.
Treatment claims should be realistic.  Beware of the therapist who appears to promise miracles.  Because you may end up very disillusioned.  They are there to help you understand your problem and assist you to move through it to a satisfactory outcome.  Having said that, to a person who has had a debilitating problem for a number of years, a satisfactory outcome can often appear to be quite miraculous.

So, in summary, listen to the therapist's voice, does it sound kind, supportive, considerate?

Have they had much experience dealing with your problem?

Do they belong to an organisation, which has a code of practice and complaints structure?

Do they have professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Are they trying to give you a hard sell with all their worldly knowledge?  Listen to your conscience and use your judgement.

Finally, for therapy to be effective you must have a good rapport with your therapist.  If you don't feel comfortable with the person after your first session, you are under no obligation to continue.


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