Going to the counseling center at university...

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I have never gone to any sort of counseling/therapy/etc. and I'm nervous about it and I don't really know what to expect, which is making me all the more anxious to set up an appointment and go.

What's it like? How do you get started once you're there? Is there usually a getting-to-each-other process? Will I probably have to fill out a bunch of forms? Am I expected to just dive into all of my issues? Or just pick one and start there? What if I don't know where to start? Should I make a list of topics to discuss before I go? I feel like I will get so nervous that I'll just forget everything...though I guess that would be a good segue into anxiety issues Anything else I should know?

I feel like I'm asking really dumb questions. Sometimes it's good for me to over-think things and mentally prepare myself, and sometimes it's a really bad idea, and I don't know which situation this will end up being.

I mean I know different places will work in somewhat different ways, but I'm trying to get a general sense of how things will go, what I should expect, and what's expected of me.

Every time I start thinking about actually going to a psychologist (whether private or at school), I get overwhelmed and cry and then I give up for the moment. Last week I cried/got upset just from putting the counseling center's phone number in my cell phone, but at least that's a start. And now I'm posting here...another small step.

I get this way when I have to seek counseling. The best thing for you to do, might be to make a list of all current issues, and then go to the first appointment with an open mind. This might be incredibly hard to do, since like you, I tend to over think things, and try to predict possible outcomes.
I tried this approach with my last counselor, and it worked. It was extremely anxiety making to go into an appointment with no idea of what I should expect or do, but it left a lot of room for new impressions and for the counselor to actually get to know me her way. It's almost like trying to dance for the first time; you wonder who puts their feet were, and how do we position our heads and arms and hands, etc. If the counselor is good, they will work on this dance with you and you will discover if you are compatible "dance" partners. If they aren't, you will come away from the sessions feeling ill at ease and uncomfortable. It is really hard for Aspies to find compatible counselors, I know.

Thanks for replying

I'll definitely make a list.

There are six psychologists on staff at my school, so hopefully one of them will be compatible with me. Trying to avoid spending my parents' money.

I finally made an appointment. The woman talked so fast on the phone it was like I didn't even make the call it was over so fast. But, I did it!

Just had to announce that. Kind of proud of myself for finally doing that. Next step is to actually go to the appointment...which is in two weeks.