[sonofhans]

> I'm convinced I won't be taken seriously.

As a fellow large male, I totally hear you. Getting empathy can be challenging.

WRT psychologists -- audition them. Schedule initial visits with 3, make all those visits, then see if you feel that one of them has listened and can help.

This inverts the power dynamic, at least to begin with. You're actively choosing someone who will work for you, and based on some of your own felt evidence. You don't have to worry about "making it work" with the 1 counselor you chose to begin with.

This is common practice. No good counselor will be surprised by it. Any who argue it can easily be dropped from your short list.

Baring your soul to 3 strangers sure can be daunting. I find it gets easier. And again, if it sucks with one of them, probably that's not the counselor for you.