Hey Kelly
An excellent first step. BRAVO. I will permit your correction to the limbic system, although I'm interested to see whether any more definitive studies show what the heart's 40,000 neurones actually do.
So, if you've written this, it's exactly what you should take to your psychologist. You don't need to read it - just give it to her. And, permit me to be blunt, if you're unable to be totally candid and open with her you're wasting your time and money!
Your hopes are those which many of us harbour, as are your fears, and I think highly positively of you for being clear about the concerns from your head. I do want to comment that there is no pre-requisite for you to hate the boy you are. I never hated him; I just knew that he was a girl, and he never stopped me from having a successful life.
If you want to move forward, you need a combination of hope, optimism and realism. I will say that on this site I've seen many examples of very male guys who have become very passable women. Not beauty queens; just decent everyday girls virtually no different from any other women.
There's nothing to stop you doing it gradually - in fact there is probably no other way - but you do need a clear resolve to stay the course. You can easily get rid of your beard, start HRT and work on your voice. FFS and SRS require more of a commitment.
Hugs
Julia