you can briefly speak about what you have been struggling with, what prompted you to reach out for support at this time, and what you hope to change and accomplish;

we assess for any contraindications for treatment, possible alternative options, commitment to therapy, and potential barriers;

feel free to seek clarification about the therapy process in general;

you may want to know more about the therapist, about their education, training, specializations, clinical experience, or approach to therapy;

you and the therapist both get a felt sense of important therapeutic factors, such as personality, compatibility, similar experiences, connection, and mutual respect,