Why does she need you to sign release forms? Why can't she just ask you what she wants to know instead of having to talk to your previous therapist? (I'm assuming it was your previous T she wanted you to sign the release form for.) If a new T wanted to get me sign a release of information at the first meeting, I would question her assessment skills (why can't she draw her own conclusions after interviewing me?) or I would wonder if she didn't believe me for some reason? It would make me nervous to have her ask for a release and I probably would not give it to her either, especially so early. If we got to know each other after a few sessions and she had a specific reason to talk to my former T that made sense, I would probably give the release. So good for you, to not give permission at this early date. Other than that, she sounded quite promising! I hope you give her a second try, especially after the disastrous meeting with the AOL dude.