Short answer, no. Definitely not. I sort of relate this question to “Do you need a personal trainer to get fit?”. And, again, the short answer is that no, you do not. There are enough resources out there on the proper way to exercise and eat healthy. But I also think it depends a lot on your personality and your goals. Let me explain.
Everyone is different. Some people are able to learn well on their own. For me, if it is something more like book learning vs. physical learning, then I am fine learning on my own. But if it is, for example, fixing a sink, I would want someone to show me the right way to do it and then be around to answer any questions I may (would!) have.
So, I think it is important for people to be honest with themselves about what kind of learner they are. If you want to try and reduce your accent and improve your pronunciation you need to be confident and resilient. But, I think the most important quality is to have effective self-feedback. Independent learners need to have a keen (and honest) ear for their own pronunciation. They must be able to give themselves constructive feedback. Learners who choose to go on their own path also need to be sure to have the proper resources to self-study effectively. If you have these traits and tools, then it is definitely possible for you to improve you accent without the help and guidance of a teacher.
On the other hand, there are benefits of not going it alone. Having a structured curriculum is a big one. To have a clear path to your goal and really understanding what is realistic is important. Immediate correction and personalized feedback can also be crucial to learners. To properly fix an accent, learners should be aware of their errors right away. Motivation and accountability are some more reasons some people may need an accent coach. Someone to cheer them on and push them when necessary. Someone to instill confidence and remind them that they are not alone.
In the end, the choice between going it alone and seeking an accent reduction coach depends on your individual characteristics and goals. It’s essential to be honest with yourself about your self-discipline, motivation, and learning style. Some may thrive as independent learners, while others may find the structured guidance and expertise of a coach indispensable.
Remember that there is no right or wrong path. The key is to choose the approach that best suits your needs and helps you achieve your accent reduction goals. Whether you embark on this journey independently or with a coach by your side, the important thing is the dedication to clear communication and the continuous effort to improve your pronunciation.