Open Eyes was very clear about the internal process that happens. I just want to add that I believe that you don't have to "go it alone." In other words, a good therapy relationship encourages the strength that you want. You don't necessarily have to go into the depths of your past to benefit from supportive therapy. There are "strength-based" therapy approaches that start with where you are and encourage you to go after your goals. The intimacy that therapy provides is taken inside yourself at some point along the way so you feel stronger to do things on your own. And this can happen relatively fast so doesn't require a huge expense either.