Identity
Struggling to discover who you are? Are you constantly feeling unfulfilled, anxious and insecure? A therapist can help you to discuss and understand your anxieties, insecurities, and self-esteem so that you can live more fully in the present.
What is identity in psychology?
Identity can often be boiled down to a simple question – “Who am I?”. Our personal identity relates to the basic values that dictate the choices we make in life, such as our relationships or our career. Psychologists understand our identity as our self-image, which is shaped by the values of our parents, peers, and culture that we have internalised from a young age.
Identity can refer to certain traits including our race, gender, or ethnicity. Parts of our identity can change over time, such as the languages we speak or our religious preferences.
What are identity issues?
While struggling with our sense of self and identity can be seen as a normal part of our development and maturity, identity issues can arise if we fail to establish a strong sense of self. If you feel that the values you have internalised do not align with your authentic self, you may be left feeling unfulfilled and anxieties and insecurities may arise.
How can therapy help with identity issues?
If you are struggling with issues related to your identity, therapy can help you to find new ways forward. Therapy helps you to find your own voice and strengthens your sense of self.
If you are struggling with identity issues you may experience symptoms of depression, hopelessness, addiction, and more. Therapy offers a safe and confidential environment to understand what you are feeling and come to better know who you are.
A therapist can work with you to reduce feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety that you may be feeling and help you to develop ways of coping with the challenges associated with identity issues.
A cognitive behaviour therapist will help you to recognise negative or self-defeating thought patterns and teach you how to replace them with healthier beliefs and habits of thinking. As some individuals with identity issues believe that they are worthless or rely on the opinions of others to form a sense of self, cognitive behavioural therapy can be useful in breaking down these fears and building a better understanding of one’s self. It is also helpful for individuals who experience symptoms of anxiety due to their struggles with identity.