Do age, gender, religion, ethnicity, or other demographic variables make a difference?
Of course, these sorts of demographics shape, in part, who we are as individuals. A therapist is no different. However, one thing to keep in mind is that these features do not shape each person in the same way. It may not be accurate to presume that a therapist will have certain life experiences, impressions, or characteristics based on a certain demographic attributes. Instead of searching for a provider based on age, gender, race, or other demographics, you may be better served to tell your prospective therapist what kind of experience you are looking for in a clinician and ask if that therapist is confident working with that kind of an issue. There is nothing wrong with seeking a clinician of a certain gender, age, or religion. If you feel that you will only feel comfortable talking to someone with certain demographic qualities, then seeing someone different from that profile may inhibit your progress in therapy. Be realistic in what you expect from a counselors when you base part o
