Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that helps us understand how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected, and how changing the way we think can lead to meaningful emotional and behavioral shifts.
We all carry beliefs about ourselves.
Some are positive, some are critical, and many are shaped by past experiences. CBT helps us sort through those thoughts: keeping the ones that serve us and challenging the ones that don’t.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If you say something enough, you’ll start to believe it.”
That’s exactly what happens with negative self-talk. Over time, unchallenged thoughts solidify into rigid beliefs:
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“I am a bad person because I insulted my partner,”
slowly becomes, “I am a bad person.”
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“I was awkward talking to that person,”
becomes, “I’m just an awkward person.”
CBT isn’t about pretending we are perfect. Instead, it focuses on replacing harsh, overly negative beliefs with more accurate, compassionate truths.
We might have behaved in a way we regret, but that doesn’t define our whole character. We might feel awkward in new situations, but that doesn’t mean we’re always awkward.
In therapy, we’ll work together to identify the patterns shaping your inner dialogue and gently reframe them so they better reflect who you really are (not just who your thoughts say you are.)
This means slowing down the automatic thoughts that often fly under the radar, examining where they come from, and asking: Is this true? Is it helpful? Is there a more balanced way to see this?
You won’t be doing this alone. My role is to help you feel safe enough to be curious about your thoughts. Together, we’ll explore the “rules” you’ve been living by, rules you may not even realize you’ve adopted and decide which ones you want to keep, revise, or let go of altogether.
Over time, this process can help you respond to yourself with more compassion, flexibility, and confidence.
If this resonates with you and you’d like to schedule sessions with me, please reach out: Jason@vervewell.org.
I look forward to working with you.
Jason Leito, LPC, is a licensed professional therapist at Vervewell Counseling in Fort Worth, TX, offering therapy for young adults and couples across Texas. He offers individual therapy and couples counseling both in-office and through secure telehealth sessions. Located in the Near Southside district of Fort Worth, Jason helps clients manage stress, build healthy coping strategies, set boundaries, and create meaningful personal growth. His approach is practical, supportive, and grounded in helping people move toward lasting change.
