I believe that many of my clients think of therapy as psychoanalytic Freudian therapy where one lies on the couch and freely associates their stream of consciousness to a patient counselor.
The National Institute of Mental Health may offer you a more comprehensive insight into the nature of PsychoTherapy:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml
Nevertheless, a good therapist might be the trained empathetic and non-judgmental listener that allows you to discuss your very specific needs for change and through regular meetings help hold you accountable for your process.
Are there alternatives to talk therapy?
Yes, EEG Biofeedback or ‘Neurofeedback’ is both an adjunctive and alternative to talk therapy.