2002 Cougar slipping gears tranny issues?

struggling_it

i have a 2002 cougar automatic thats not getting into gear from at a stop in drive position and need to use shifter running the gears manually too roll .
It will slam into gear at high rpm if in drive and i know better not to allow that for happening
2-3gears works ok and no slipping or problem i live in the hills so coming home is a fight and worry please help im a single mom desperate and stressed Thank you hope you can help

Mr_Shiftright

Needs to be diagnosed. Could be a valve body problem which is still way better than internal damage.

Has the fluid level in the transmission been checked?

Are there any transmission trouble codes being stored?