Since your finances are so tight at this time why not at least give the free C a chance. I agree, the talking in circles for years on end is not productive UNLESS there is a very, very, very specific trauma/event that took place. IMO the perfect C is one that allows you to share your past, help you understand and learn from it and most importantly helps you the learn the tools to self betterment.
When you do meet w/the free C you could always be very upfront and say just what you said above... your goal for C is to obtain the tools to <input your needs here>.
I at the very least would meet with the free C a few times before you try and source the funds for the more expensive C.
