How does a therapist actually help with any of these things? I look at things people say therapy have helped them with and most if not all of them can be achieved without a therapist. I have trouble understanding how seeing someone once a week or more or less can really help that much. I know it only harmed me so I suppose I have a different perspective.

People say therapy helps, but they don't really say how or what the factors are that are useful or good. And i know everyone is different and different things work for different people. That is obvious. I also know nothing is perfect so I know that isn't a factor. It just seems so bizarre to pay someone for an hour or so a week to do something??? What are they doing??