So very sorry about your cat CE.

Granite, do you have an email address for your prospective T? Could you send her a short note in advance explaining that you find it very hard to talk? Just so she is aware of the situation. It might make it easier for you if you know she knows that.

Saw T today, she was helpful about the out-of-control anxiety I've been having. I got shaky telling her about it, but no panic attacks today. So it was a good day.