Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts by interrogating and uprooting negative or irrational beliefs. Considered a "solutions-oriented" form of talk therapy, CBT rests on the idea that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior.
When Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Becomes Part of Your Identity
Living with cognitive behavioral therapy over time can lead to a fusion of identity and diagnosis. You may find yourself thinking "I am cognitive behavioral therapy" rather than "I have cognitive behavioral therapy." This identity fusion has significant consequences:
- Reduces motivation (why try if this is just who I am?)
- Increases shame and stigma internalization
- Makes recovery feel like losing part of yourself
- Limits how others see you (and how you see yourself)
Reclaiming a Multidimensional Identity
Your identity is vastly larger than cognitive behavioral therapy. A powerful exercise: complete this sentence 20 times with anything other than your struggles:
"I am someone who ___________"
Values, roles, relationships, interests, history, capabilities — all form your identity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as One Chapter, Not the Whole Story
Narrative therapy offers a powerful reframe: cognitive behavioral therapy is one story in a much larger life narrative. You are the author, not the character defined by struggle.
Externalizing the problem: Practice talking about "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that visits me" rather than "my Cognitive Behavioral Therapy." This linguistic shift creates psychological distance and agency.
Building Identity Beyond Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Invest in relationships that see your full self, not just your struggles
- Pursue interests unrelated to mental health — art, sport, learning, creativity
- Find meaning — purpose larger than symptom management provides identity anchor
- Contribute to others — giving to others builds positive identity components
- Celebrate growth — document how you've changed, overcome, adapted
The Strengths That Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Builds
Many people find that navigating cognitive behavioral therapy develops genuine strengths: deep empathy, resilience, self-awareness, creativity, and a hard-won wisdom about what matters in life.