Identity development

Identity development is about getting to know yourself. It concerns, for example, your values, interests, beliefs, boundaries and how you view yourself.

It also concerns how you interact with others, for example in relationships, friendships, family or at work.

Your identity is not set in stone. Your self-image may continue to change as a result of experiences, choices and different stages of life.

Questions about identity are part of various stages of life. Questions about identity are common during adolescence and young adulthood, but can also arise later in life.

Doubts or uncertainty about yourself can be exacerbated by:

• high expectations from the local community;
• low self-confidence;
• profound experiences;
• questions about relationships or the future;
• cultural background or religion;
• sexual identity;
• changes in studies, work or family life.

Some people need more time to develop a clear and stable sense of self.

When identity development is proving difficult, you may, for example, notice that:

• you are unsure about who you are or what suits you;
• you have an insecure or negative self-image;
• you find it difficult to make decisions;
• you’re not quite sure what you want in life;
• you experience stress due to the expectations of others;
• if you feel restless, down or anxious.

It can also be difficult to stay true to yourself when you are under a lot of external pressure.

A healthy lifestyle cannot resolve questions of identity. However, a healthy lifestyle can contribute to greater peace of mind, resilience and emotional balance. This can be helpful when you are grappling with questions about who you are, what suits you and which choices are important to you.

For example, you could:

• Ensuring sufficient sleep;
• Regular exercise;
• Eating healthily and regularly;
• Plan in plenty of opportunities for relaxation;
• Pay attention to striking a good balance between exercise and recovery.

Exercise can help to reduce tension and bring a sense of calm to both mind and body. It can also have a positive effect on mood and self-confidence.

Do you find it difficult to develop or maintain these habits on your own? If so, our lifestyle coaches support you in this.

Identity development is a process that takes time. It is normal to go through periods when you have doubts about yourself, your future, your relationships or the choices you make.

For example, you could:

• Reflecting on what matters to you in life;
• Exploring which values, interests and qualities suit you;
• Making space to gain new experiences;
• Discussing your feelings and thoughts with people you trust;
• Accept that not every question needs an immediate answer;
• Be kind to yourself when you are in doubt or feeling uncertain;
• Focus on activities that give you energy, enjoyment or a sense of purpose;
• Examine which expectations are your own and which come from others.

By getting to know yourself better, you can gradually develop greater confidence in who you are and which choices suit you best.

If questions about identity have a significant impact on your daily life, counselling or treatment can help. Together, we will look at what is important to you and which experiences influence how you view yourself.

The treatment may help with:

• uncertainty about yourself;
• difficulty making choices;
• tension or doubt;
• dealing with other people’s expectations;
• self-confidence;
• discover what matters to you.

Depending on your situation, our psychologists using various forms of therapy. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

In cognitive behavioural therapy, you examine thoughts and patterns that influence how you feel and what you do. With ACT, you learn to cope better with difficult thoughts and feelings, so that you can make choices that align with what is important to you.

The aim of the treatment is to help you understand yourself better and gain greater confidence in who you are and which choices suit you best.