Your post really resonated with me. Firstly, I just wanted to say that I would feel really put off by that first counselling session too. You are absolutely not wasting their time, it may be (and I can only speculate, you'll know best) that the counsellor isn't a great fit for you. It might be worth seeing if there are any sliding scale counselling services near you? They tend to be partially Nhs funded. The one I went to was £15 a session for me.

Please don't give up - you are entitled to help and to see someone who makes you feel comfortable.