As someone with too much previous involvement with MH professionals - I think a lot of people don't know their rights when it comes to therapists. If you're considering therapy or new to it, you should know that your safety should be paramount. If you're feeling unsafe in a session, that's an indicator you should follow. If you feel like you can raise your concerns and be heard, have things reasonably adjusted by your therapist then that's a good sign. If you feel uncomfortable or invalidated by their response, the problem is them, not you. Also, you can choose female or male, even someone from your cultural background. That's ok, it's about your best interests. And also, because it's about relationship, you just might not 'click ' with a therapist, totally valid too.