I disagree with almost this entire post.
First of all, therapists don't have M.D., psychiatrists do, and psychiatrists typically don't do talk therapy (though there are exceptions).
Most therapies are client-centered.
Lastly, even if the OP went into an office and asked exactly those questions, he'd (likely) have absolutely no clue what the answers meant. The best way, in my opinion, to find out if you're going to get along with a therapist is not to dig through is or her past to find out what they studied. Go in for a session and see how things go. The therapeutic alliance isn't objective. You have to sit in front of eachother and feel eachother out.
Yes, one is called a psychiatrist and one is called a psychologist, but
because they both do talk therapy they both fit under the general label of psychotherapist.
I'm not sure what you think psychiatrists do, but a psychiatrist just doesn't write down your symptoms and hand you pills. They engage in talk therapy as well. Even with patients who have psychotic disorders. Hence, they are also called psychotherapists.
And, no, he probably wouldn't understand what those terms meant at first. But, he could look them up, learn what those forms of therapy are and see if they resonate with him. When I was having a panic disorder years ago, I looked up what kind of therapy was most beneficial for me and went to see someone specialized in cognitive behavioral therapy. I did my research instead of just saying "the theory makes no difference and whoever it is will help me if we get along".
Unfortunately, the idea that its ALL about the therapeutic relationship misses a crucial detail. Because what usually makes the difference is the therapeutic relationship AND whether or not what the therapist is saying resonates with the patient. The therapist and patient can have a great relationship, but if the therapist starts using a theory which doesn't apply to the patients phenomenological experience, it typically isn't going to help. So, yes, the types of theories the therapist adopts DOES matter significantly.
Also, most people aren't aware of the fact that many forms of therapy do not work very well with the overall population. They're often counterproductive and end up making people worse. Although there's been significant empirical evidence to support this, for some reason, the APA chooses not to step in and put an end to some ways of conducting therapy. Mostly because of the fallacious idea you're putting forth.
