This is something I have given much thought to of late. I am female. Currently, one of my main criterion in choosing a therapist is that the therapist be male. Why? Good question, and one for which I have not sorted through thoroughly and come up with a complete and logical answer. I tried to explain it to somebody recently, and my answer became so screwy and convoluted and the reasoning became so back and forth that I ended up deleting it and not even going there. Some of it makes little sense, except that it feels right to go that route. Some reasons seem backward even...
What I do know is that I seem to have a great deal of fear surrounding authority figures, and the fear is far more pronounced with males. Now, it might seem backward to choose a male therapist, but I disagree. My therapist says that in session is a good place to practice interpersonal communication skills as well as real world challenges. I don't disagree. These fears are much less pronounced in female company, thus would be less effectively addressed with a female therapist. She would likely not ever know they exist. It makes therapy difficult when I am completely terrified, but if I can pull through the challenge, I should be better in the end, right?
I did not completely rule out female therapists until giving it a try. I have had bad experiences with them. Despite the male-centered fear, I am much more comfortable being open with the right male. My real world as well as experiences with female therapists has led me to believe that they gossip more and are more judgmental, etc. I am just not comfortable with them.
There are 10 other reasons that, if I try to explain, will make none of this make sense at all, and lead to me deleting the reply entirely (as I have done previously). So I will stop here and hope at least one of these reasons makes sense to somebody.
