Therapy Preparation Intervention

Brief preparatory interventions delivered during the waiting period have been shown to clarify therapy expectations, reduce ambivalence, improve attendance, and initiate meaningful clinical change. When combined with standard therapy, preparatory interventions may accelerate achievement of successful outcomes and reduce depressive symptoms more quickly than standard therapy alone. No prior trials had evaluated motivational interviewing-based preparation specifically during waiting periods for psychological therapy within cancer care pathways. TPS recordings are reviewed in clinical supervision for adherence and independently rated using the Consultation Interactions Coding Scheme (CICS) to formally assess fidelity. The TPS proactively identifies and problem-solves anticipated barriers such as confidence deficits, ambivalence, and competing demands. The Therapy Preparation Session (TPS) is a single remote session of up to 60 minutes that draws on motivational interviewing, role induction, and goal-setting principles.