What you said about your dog... I feel you! As far as opening up, I have had this same issue. Like others have already said, I wrote down what I wanted to talk about, and then it was only a matter of courage to read those words. That definitely helped. I can't imagine being sent away for what you have to say. Is it really that bad? If it wouldn't be a dead giveaway, you could ask your therapist about what he thinks about certain things.