Most therapists will tell you their credentials and policies up front. Its preferable if they are typed so you have a copy but not all therapists provide this. Understand the type of counseling the therapist does, and the policies about payment, insurance, and cancellations (yours and theirs).
You may not like a therapist's taste in furniture or art. You should at least be comfortable in their office and feel relatively safe. Some counselors touch or hug clients, some don't, but all should treat you with respect. If you don't (or do) want to be hugged, say so.
Usually therapists talk about confidentiality when they explain their policies. Have your therapist explain under what conditions it is required by law he/she break confidentiality. Otherwise you should be assured by him/her that what you say there, stays there.
A good therapist may see what your goal(s) "should" be. However, no one works well when completing goals they didn't set themselves. Your therapist may suggest and recommend but the final decision about what to work on is yours.
Your therapist may say something that angers you without realizing it or say something you strongly disagree with. They may want to use a therapy technique you are not comfortable with. Be an equal partner with the therapist - let them know what bothers you or what you're uneasy about.
I never thought of asking to be hugged. Good list and an education to me.thank you. h5
Very nice! I especially like # 4!
select one here...