CBT saved my life and made it so much better. How do you know you can't afford a therapist. Do you have insurance? Online counseling can be fabulous. Some of the CBT techniques are also in books
I'd try to get some more resources before you rule it out completely
As for what the therapy is like, my therapist challenged the way I thought. She made me ask questions and take baby steps and build confidence...it was the BEST thing I ever did. I would be such a walking wounded person if I hadn't done it.