How to select a voice coach? or a therapist?

I was watching The Voice last night and thought about how the individuals auditioning would select their coaches.  During the interviews, a lot said they would choose someone who could help them with certain needs or desires they had.  One wanted to be plugged in to the song writing, another wanted to work on blending different styles of music.

 I started thinking, how do people choose a therapist.  So, how do you select a therapist?  Well, the states have several suggestions they want you to know.  You want someone who is licensed in the state you live in.

Here are some bullet point questions to consider:

• Are they licensed? Do they have a graduate degree? Have they participated in post graduate training? Therapy is an every changing field and to keep up with the changes.
• Have there been any complaints filed with the board? You can check you state board of Professional Licensing to see if a therapist has had complaints filed on them.
• Do you feel comfortable talking to him or her, are they a safer person to talk to? Is the person down to earth and easy to relate to or does he/she feel cold, distant and emotionally removed? The therapist should be engaged with you and not cold or distant.  Going to a therapist will produce some anxiety however the therapist should be able to and want to engage you in conversation.  Speaking to a therapist should be easy and conversation should flow back and forth.
• Can they clearly define how they can help you solve whatever issues or concern you have? They should be able to give you a road map or guide to how they think they can help you.  The guide should not be written in stone as situations change from day to day.
• Do they adhere to ethical principals in regards to issues such as confidentiality? This is the most important question as you want your stuff to stay your stuff. 

(GoodTherapy.org, 2007)

Then, it's all up to what you want or what you can afford or what your insurance company gives you.
I think it starts with the website of the therapist.  Is the website professional looking? Do you connect with the biography of the therapist?  Is the counselor experienced in what you are needing?  For example, maybe you are more comfortable as a female speaking to females.  Or maybe you want someone how has experience working with families and children.  Or maybe you want someone who has experience working with grief and grieving.  It depends on what you are looking for.  If you call the therapist office, do you get a return call immediately or does weeks go by before you get a call back? When you come in the office, is it peaceful and welcoming or does it feel sterile?

  Remember, if you don't feel comfortable after meeting the person, give it one to two more sessions.  Therapy is not always feel good stuff and the first session is not comfortable.  If it doesn't feel right, change therapist.