I'm not for lying at all. I think that would be a wrong move all the way around. I am also not for you being handed an ultimatum about the counselling. I think counselling would benefit you greatly, it can help you talk with someone that is removed from your everyday life, and can help you make choices about things just like this.

I don't see anything wrong with you working at things the way you want too. Being pushed into doing something generally doesn't have a positive outcome. I agree, you will feel less apt to open up there. Just a bit of food for thought, if you seriously feel you have everything in control, why lie to him about going? why not just stand firm and tell him, this is how I chose to deal with it at this point.

G'luck ((((DSF)))) I know you will do what is best for you.