I hate this phrase as well. There are some people who need to be put on their feet first before they know how to help themselves.

How the hell should I be able to help myself if most of the time I can't trust my judgement? If my obsessions and malignant thoughts are so engrained into my personality that I can't see things objectively? I have no idea how to "change" my attitude or habits – and all psychologists say in the end when we reach the crucial point is "Keep trying".

I'm sorry, but I tried for four years and everything stayed the same.