the therapist. If you find yourself reacting negatively to every counselor you see, then the issue could be yours and may warrant you sticking it out with a counselor in an effort to work through your fears of beginning therapy. 2. What's the counselor's general philosophy and approach to helping? Does your counselor approach human beings in a compassionate and optimistic way? Does he or she believe humans are born loving and lovable, or does the counselor believe people are genetically deficient? We at GoodTherapy.org believe that good therapists and counselors adhere to the elements of good therapy. 3. Can the counselor clearly define how he or she can help you to solve whatever issue or concern has brought you to therapy? Experienced counselors explain how they can help, are able to give you a basic "road map," to their approach, and can even give an indication of how you will know when therapy is finished. 4. Does the counselor seek regular peer consultation? An important professional activity for any wise counselor is regular consultation with peers or consultants. Consultation serves a number of purposes, such as, but not limited to, reviewing cases, receiving advice, getting unstuck, discovering one's own blind spots, and noticing how one's own "stuff" may be getting in the way. Consultation provides a counselor with a necessary reality check, a degree of objectivity, and feedback. Even the best therapists benefit from the help of others. 5. Can your counselor accept feedback and admit mistakes? A healthy