To cut a long story short, I've been having a hard time with anxiety and depression over the past few months. I've suffered for years but lately, mostly due to stress at work, it's become something I can't cope with.
I self referred to the PCT's counselling service and have just had my initial telephone assessment. Firstly, she was late to call (absolutely fine btw) and offered no apology (not fine). I asked if she could call me on the landline due to varying signal in my house. I waited a further 10 minutes. When I picked up the phone she didn't introduce herself (other people call me sometimes) but instead told me she'd just eaten a massive jacket potato and couldn't stop burping 
.
She wanted full details of my dc. I told her their ages and genders but didn't want to divulge further. I appreciate this is a safeguarding issue but given her immediate lack of professionalism re lunch I didn't feel comfortable in giving out this information. I can take the flaming I'm bound to get for this but I stand by it.
She was unbelievably patronising. She wanted to know the ins and outs of my job and immediately misunderstood. Talked to me like a small child (in fact I politely requested that she didn't as it was extremely Irritating). Didn't seem to understand that I know how my anxiety manifests itself and I want to develop coping mechanisms. Told her I was due to see the GP this week to review my ad dose but repeatedly told me that I was on the wrong dosage.
So now I'm on a waiting list. If my appointment is with this person can I refuse to see her? Is this what counselling is like?