Did anyone "interview" multiple therapists before deciding on one?

[sarahc]

I (46 MTF) am going to start reaching out to therapists in the coming days, and I am fortunate to live in an area where there appear to be a number of therapists / LGBTQ centers who have gender expertise.

For those who also live in such areas, did any of you do an initial consultation with a few therapists before deciding on one? It just seems like this is such an important relationship and you'd want to be comfortable with the person with whom you're going to be spending a lot of time.

Did anyone do this, and if you did, what were the initial consultations like, and how did you decide on your chosen therapist?

One final question, one of my options is an LGBTQ health center that offers comprehensive health services (ie, therapists + medical doctors to prescribe hormones). Have people who have used this kind of unified services platform liked it?

[Chloe]

For those who also live in such areas, did any of you do an initial consultation with a few therapists before deciding on one?

        Sarah was never big on informal "group support meetings" but if you can find one in your area the opinion of others can prove very helpful. Made a few initial missteps in seeking out a therapist but chances are there's even a member here @ Susan's that might live close to you.

FYI and going to such a meeting in drag male mode is quite 'ok'. Never visited a local LGBTQ service center was lucky enough to find, via a member here, a good local therapist who is a famous "trans advocate" herself.

[Dena]

It will probably take you several meeting with the therapist before you will be able to decide if this is the right one for you. Probably the best thing would be to learn what you can about the therapist before making an appointment then see how things click between you. If it works stay with that therapist. If it doesn't then look at another one.

[GingerVicki]

YES! It is the most important thing to do.