The initial consultation should be about both parties determining if this is going to be a good match (i.e. gender, age, experience, orientation, expertise, cost, office location).

There is a subsequent evaluation (family history, history of trauma or abuse, etc.). A packet is given to each new client, outlining policies around confidentiality, cancelled appointments, etc.

A preliminary questionnaire may consist of the following:

How old are you?
Have you ever been in therapy before?
When and where, and was it a positive or negative experience?
What did you expect?
Do you understand the therapeutic process?
Did you leave therapy with added insight, additional skills, etc.?
What would you have changed about the process?
What did you find valuable?
Why are you seeking treatment now?