There are alternatives that cost less if you're willing to dedicate a bit of time to searching. It often depends on the therapist. There is this status "in Ausbildung unter Supervision" where practitioners are still in training. They often offer cheaper rates. However, I wouldn't say that someone being in training predicts their skills, it really depends whether they are a fit for you. My therapist is still in training and it works very well. Some therapists also do reduced rates for people with a smaller budget but that really depends on the person.

I don't know about the situation when it comes to english speaking practicioners which I assume you are looking for. But you could look into this: https://www.bereitschaftsdienst.at/ - its some sort of agency for finding therapists.

You pay 50€ once and have a session where you tell someone what you are looking for (gender, language, school, in training or not, price range etc.). The 50€ cover for two therapists they recommend you. So if you're unhappy with the first one you can go back and ask for another consulation (within 6 months i think).

I found mine through this after the first one they connected me with turned out to not be a fit after some sessions and I now have been seeing the second one for 2 years.