I found this attributes list in The Depression Workbook **** written by Mary Ellen Copeland and I found it to be a very interesting method in helping you seek the right therapist. I hope that you can find this helpful.......

****Copeland, M.E. & McKay, M. (1992). The Depression Workbook. Calif.:New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

What attributes do you want from the health professionals on your team?

* monitor my condition and prescribe accordingly
* are willing to use minimal medication dosages
* use appropriate testingn procedures
* are willing to use a team approach
* are willing to explore and try new approaches
* listen well
* are caring
* are accepting
* are compassionate
* are supportive
* are perceptive
* consider individual needs
* are willing to be flexible
* are easy to communicate with
* are optimistic
* promote mutual understanding
* are empathetic
* are friendly
* are gentle and warm
* are trustworthy
* emphasize self-care
* share religious background
* are respectful
* are compatible
* have a sense of humor
* know the dangers of mood disorders
* promote individual growth
* can be firm and protective when necessary
* have expert knowledge of mood disorders
* allow me to make my own decisions about treatment
* are willing to keep trying until appropriate, successful treatments are found
* have ample time to provide adequate services
* encourage development of positive self-esteem
* are knowledgeable about medications, side effects, and the latest medical advances
* are willing to educate me and members of my support system about mood swings
* specialize in working with people with mood swings
* are usually available and have appropriate people to cover at other times
* have personally experienced mood disorders
are able to admit the possibility of being wrong or not knowing what to do
* understand and adjust to my personal financial constraints know me and can quickly access my moods
* only resort to hospitalization when a danger exists to myself and others
* encourage responsibility for myself
* are fluent and easily understood in my language

Below are some unwanted attributes of health care professionals:

* relies only on drug treatment
* not available when needed
* has more patients than can be handled well
* condescending
* overcharges
* authoritarian
* patronizing
* overmedicates
* too busy to do a good job
* afraid to try new treatment methods
* judgmental
* egotistical
* rigid
* acts bored

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