Didn't your freestyle step instructors mirror image also. I know prior to Bodystep I taught Freestyle step for many years infact back to 1991, and from the very first class here in Australia anyway we always mirror imaged the class. Just remember you always start with the right foot, and the instructor with the left, so both are using the same side of the body when facing each other.
Believe me with time you will get used to it, don't be so hard on yourself, relax and it will come as naturally as your freestyle step did. Only difference being that in bodystep you do often tap down, whereas in freestyle it was probably natural stepping r,l, r, l etc. no tapping down.
Good luck and don't give up bodystep, often we don't like change, but you will enjoy it if you keep trying and you will eventually succeed.
Happy Stepping!
Always Be the Best You Can, Never Ever, Ever Give Up! Dare to be Different! What You See is What You Get!