The first sessions may involve more assessment
Even after an earlier assessment, a therapist may need to understand what brings you to treatment, what you want to change, relevant history and what would make sessions workable for you.
Agree what you are working toward
Ask how goals will be set, how progress is reviewed and what happens if priorities change. Treatment should not feel like a mystery you are expected to decode.
Ask about practical boundaries
Clarify session length and frequency, cancellations, contact between sessions, confidentiality, what to do if you are in crisis, and whether there is work to do between appointments.
You can say when something is not working
NHS England says services should check whether support is helping and change things if not. Bring concerns up early rather than assuming you have to silently complete a course that makes no sense to you.
Put the things you do not want to forget into one private note before you go.
Open appointment prep →Trusted source
NHS / NHS England guidance ↗General information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Exact pathways and options vary. Reviewed 8 September 2026.