2. You are right that a lot of therapists/psychologists just affirm whatever their client wants to hear, but I don't think that makes them good. There are good ones out there who challenge their clients to see different viewpoints, to grow and change too.

In my market (edit: I'm not a psychologist, but my wife is), if you are good, your practice is full, you don't really even need to advertise and still have a waiting list a mile long. The business model of being good sort of works itself out.