Once upon a time folks would be embarrassed and ashamed to tell anyone that they were going to therapy. Therapy was supposedly only for people who were desperately maladjusted, unstable, disturbed, unbalanced or just plain "nuts." Any therapy was spoken of in hushed tones with lowered eyes and was about people who were considered "not quite right." Those who did admit to involvement with therapy were spoken of as below par, questionable and unwell. These were described as individuals to be avoided.
The current, more enlightened, reputation of counseling has changed. A LOT. Those in the know are now bragging about having a therapist to help them cope with depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, addiction, relationships, grief and more. As a matter of fact, while I was at a recent cocktail party, one lavishly appointed gal was bragging to another ritzy lady that "Of course I have a therapist. Don't you? I see mine after my massage every Thursday." The popular question of the swank is no longer "Who are you wearing." It has become, instead, "Who are you seeing?" Therapy recipients now tend to feel influential and boast about their weekly appointments with a "designer therapist" who is on call whenever needed.
Even when you become more accustomed to the celebrity of being in counseling, you may feel nervous or anxious before attending your first session. My suggestion is that you simply ask your therapist what to expect. Be sure and tell the therapist if you have had previous counseling and what you liked or did not like about it. You and a new therapist will want to begin building a trusting relationship. Always remember that if there is part of your past that you don't want to discuss, that is - and should always be - your decision to make.
It is possible that some behavioral changes may be suggested to you as part of your counseling. Again...any considerations regarding these changes are yours to make.
Even your choice about seeing a particular therapist does not have to reflect a final decision. You may want to interview several different therapists one or two times before you make a decision about a particular counselor for longer term care.
Do stay aware that your situation may feel worse before it feels better. As you explore present ways of managing your life, you will become more aware of the things that are not working for you. This is similar to cleaning out your clothes closet to toss out things that don't fit you any longer. You will also begin looking at lifestyle decisions that may no longer be fitting for you as well. First you will see one heck of a mess all over the room before you have a neat and organized emotional area in which to live.
Now, congratulate yourself on making an important choice to positively change your life.