From reports of therapists themselves - a huge part of their value is essentially a friend for hire - human contact with someone that will take the time to list

From reports of therapists themselves - a huge part of their value is essentially a friend for hire - human contact with someone that will take the time to listen to you and take an interest. Lots of people don't have that but you sound like you do. IMHO things like CBT and ACT can be self-studied successfully from books. Writing can achieve much of the effect of talking therapy - both expressing difficult thoughts and obtaining objectivity. Maybe not for everyone but I think nerdy autodidacts can cover a huge amount of ground without paying a professional. Such individuals might also be in need of supportive human contact though!