Patient: What am I so worried about? I do not know whether I have any purpose in life.
Therapist: So, you are saying “I’m ignorant?” Well, what is so awful about being ignorant? It is too bad you are ignorant. It would be nicer if you were not. But let us just suppose the worst: for the rest of your life you do not have a purpose. Would that be so bad? (cognitive restructuring)
Therapist: Did you do the assignment I gave you?
Patient: Yes, I went home and waved at my neighbor. (homework)
Therapist: Do you still think you are a terrible person and people do not like you?
Patient: No. He waved