Summarise what one should look for in a prospective therapist and what one should expect out of therapy.

Therapeutic services are available in many settings and such services need not be expensive. Contrary to popular belief most therapists are not in private practice. There are a variety of "helping professions" available: Psychologists who provide psychotherapy may have degrees in clinical or counselling psychology, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and everyday behavioural problems. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. They are, at present, the only psychotherapy administering profession to be able to prescribe drugs, although psychologists are lobbying for prescription rights (given appropriate training). Clinical social workers generally have a master's degree and are increasingly providing a wide range of therapeutic services as independent practitioners. Counsellors are usually found working in schools, colleges, and assorted human service agencies. They typically have a master's degree and often specialise in specific areas, such as vocational or marital counselling.
To find out what your community has to offer it is a good idea to consult with friends, the phone book or the local community mental health centre. Researchers have not found any reliable associations between therapist's type of degree, professional background or theoretical orientation and therapeutic efficacy, so the kind of degree that a therapist holds doesn't need to be a critical consideration in the selection. The therapist's gender also does not seem to influence efficacy, so it only is important if the client feels uncomfortable with a therapist of a specific sex. The best things to look for in a good therapist are personal warmth and sincere concern, empathy and understanding, self-confidence and the client should personally like the therapist.
Therapy does not progress rapidly; it is usually a slow process and is hard work. The therapist is only the facilitator and ultimately the client must confront the challenges and this may not be pleasant.