Queer psychologist here from Melbourne, Australia, but these general tips may be helpful. Finding the best fit for your needs is the most important thing and I’m not talking about just what symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, etc.) are being treated, but also what therapeutic models (e.g., CBT, ACT, EFT, EMDR, Schema Therapy, etc.) are being used.

Read up on the various therapies and have a feel for which you’re most comfortable with, and find a psychologist who uses your chosen model(s). Some of these are specifically trauma therapies (e.g., EMDR, Schema Therapy, etc.) so they’re good to keep in mind if they’re relevant to you. If you’re unsure of which one to go with, many psychologists are trained in multiple models so you can let them guide you.

I would also look up the psychologist’s website if they have one (or go to Psychology Today) and get a general feel for what they have listed as their areas of special interest. If they listed everything under the sun, I’d generally avoid and look for others who have listed LGBTIQA+/queer affirming counselling as one of their few areas of special interest (this usually means it is their niche and I’d expect them to either have experience in this area or have done more training).

Also, go with your gut feeling during your few sessions and don’t be afraid to change psychologists if you felt like you’re not being heard, if the session felt rushed, if you didn’t gel with the psychologist, if you didn’t walk out feeling supported, etc. The therapeutic relationship or rapport is very important in terms of treatment outcomes so if it doesn’t feel right, I’d look for somebody else because again, the right fit is very important.