“Can I do cognitive behavioral therapy on myself?”

Wow, how wonderful that you're proactive about healing and helping yourself! Yes, you can do CBT with yourself, and in fact, this is the best way on a daily basis. There are many excellent books, apps, etc. to help you. "Feeling Good" by David Burns, MD is a phenomenal introduction to cognitive behavior--it's written well and also has a workbook. An app, called "MindShift" takes you through a step by step process of figuring out how your thoughts connect to your feelings. Please know that it will help you exponentially to have a professional, e.g. therapist, psychologist, etc. guide you through a process. Even if you go only for a few sessions, you're likely to get infinitely more help than if you do it on your own. In this time of Covid-19 and 'shelter in place,' most therapists are conducting sessions online--it's as easy as a phone/video call! There's likely to be many affordable therapists in your state. Just as, because you have teeth, you would not hesitate to make an appt with a dentist--or because you have eyes, you would not think twice to go see an optometrist, please do not see it as a failing or weakness to see a therapist. You have a soul, a heart, a psyche ... and seeing a therapist should not be a source of stigma or embarrassment. If anything, it takes guts and courage to get help when you need it. I wish you the best in getting that book and app ... and hopefully, a therapist :-)!

You certainly can try! I’d suggest using a helpful workbook (The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, as an example). Do the reading, follow the guidelines you set up. Reward/praise yourself as you accomplish your goal (or parts of your goal). If you really take this seriously, and depending on the “problem area,” you could certainly be successful. If this doesn’t work for you, do turn to a good Cognitive Behavioral Counselor for some assistance.

Cathi Sitzman, Ph.D.

I would recommend learning the therapy from a psychologist.

You can, but it's more efficient with a therapist who can lead the treatment, goals, etc.

Check this link out for some insight into your question:

https://www.girlschase.com/content/cbt-series-part-i-how-do-cognitive-therapy-yourself

Also, a good self-help book is: Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne - latest edition.