By Andrew Hewitt, PMHNP-BC
Abstract
The multiverse hypothesis—that multiple universes exist simultaneously, each hosting versions of ourselves—raises profound psychological questions. This paper examines how encountering a variant self from another universe might influence identity, anxiety, cognitive rigidity, and therapeutic growth. Drawing from recent literature and integrating DSM‑5 concepts, the narrative explores cognitive-resilience implications, narrative identity, and possible interventions to support mental health in such metaphysical thought experiments.
Introduction
In contemporary science fiction and theoretical physics, the multiverse proposes an infinite number of parallel universes, each with versions of ourselves shaped by different life decisions (Wisdom Universe Quest, 2023) wisdomuniversequest.com. Although speculative, imagining meeting a version of oneself from another universe can provoke real psychological experiences. As a PMHNP‑BC, this exploration helps illuminate how beliefs about alternate selves may impact anxiety, identity, and emotional wellbeing, and how therapy might harness such metaphors for growth.
Multiverse Thinking and Psychological Effects
Belief in alternate realities can serve as a coping mechanism. One individual described multiverse theory as easing anxiety by accepting that versions of themselves exist in different branches, reducing regret over personal choices (Medium author Radian Arfi, 2021) Medium. Conversely, some report intrusive thoughts related to what their parallel selves might endure, worsening anxiety (Reddit user reports, 2021) Reddit.
Cognitive Rigidity versus Therapeutic Multiverse Framing
Psychology Today calls this framing “therapy multiverse,” proposing that clients can use imagined alternate selves to break cognitive rigidity—exposing possibilities for new perspectives and emotional insight (Brouillette, 2023) herenowhelp.com+2psychologytoday.com+2self-talk-therapy.com+2. For example, dialoguing with a version of oneself that is more confident or peaceful can unlock previously suppressed emotional resources.
Narrative Identity and Multiverse Interpretation
Narrative identity theory posits that individuals construct a life story integrating past, present, and imagined future selves (Wikipedia, Narrative Identity, 2025) en.wikipedia.org. Encountering an alternate self—a confident, successful version—might destabilize one’s current narrative, challenging self-esteem or prompting existential inquiry: “If infinite versions of me exist, what makes my life meaningful?” (Wisdom Universe Quest, 2023) wisdomuniversequest.com.
DSM‑5 Implications: Anxiety, Identity, and Existential Distress
DSM‑5 includes diagnoses like Adjustment Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Identity-related disturbance. Cognitive rigidity, persistent worry (GAD criterion), and identity confusion may flare in individuals obsessing over parallel selves. They might ask: “Which version of me is ‘real’?” or “What if my variant makes better choices?” Such thought patterns could mirror rumination, worry, or dissociative symptoms.
Psychological Risks of Encountering a Variant Self
- Existential Anxiety and Depersonalization
Encounter illusions of the multiverse may evoke feelings of unreality, loss of uniqueness, or depersonalization. Patients might report thoughts like “None of my decisions matter”—magnifying existential despair. - Self‑Comparison & Self‑Worth Distortions
Comparing with a ‘better’ alternate self could intensify self-criticism, low self-esteem, or depressive symptoms. The idealized variant becomes a standard by which one judges one’s own life. - Obsessive Intrusive Thoughts
Some report spiraling into hypothetical “what-if” scenarios endlessly, worsening anxiety or obsessive thinking (Reddit reports, 2021) psychologytoday.com+1self-talk-therapy.com+1.
Potential Benefits: Post-Traumatic‑Like Growth & Self‑Redescription
Paradoxically, considering alternate selves may catalyze psychological growth. Analogous to post‑traumatic growth (PTG), envisioning different versions of ourselves can inspire meaning-making, new possibilities, emotional resilience, and philosophical transformation (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996/2025 overview) en.wikipedia.org.
Therapeutic Applications: Guided Multiverse Exploration
Modern therapy modalities encourage parts‑work, chairwork, and imagery to engage internal dialogue with different facets of the self. Therapy multiverse techniques encourage inner dialogues with childhood you, future potential selves, or versions with greater qualities—an application of multiverse metaphor for positive reframing (Brouillette, 2023) psychologytoday.comherenowhelp.com.
Clinical Framework: Multiverse‑Informed Interventions
As a PMHNP‑BC, the following framework may support patients exploring multiverse thoughts:
1. Psychoeducation & Reality‑Testing
Explain that multiverse theory is theoretical and not empirically verifiable, helping to reduce confusion or magical thinking while validating the emotional experience (Wisdom Universe Quest, 2023) wisdomuniversequest.com.
2. Guiding Controlled Imaginal Dialogues
Use structured imagery or chairwork to “meet” an alternate self imagined as more confident or integrated. Use journaling to record dialogue, shift perspective, and reframe stuck narratives (Therapy Multiverse techniques) herenowhelp.comself-talk-therapy.com.
3. Narrative Identity Reframing
Use life‑story work: acknowledge regrets, losses, and potential alternate outcomes, integrating them compassionately into one’s ongoing self‑narrative (Narrative Identity theory, 2025) en.wikipedia.org.
4. Addressing Identity Confusion or Anxiety
Use CBT techniques targeting maladaptive beliefs: “My variant self is better than me,” “My choices don’t matter.” Replace with evidence‑based affirmations: “I create meaning in my present life,” “I choose growth here and now.”
5. Cultivating Meaning through Possibility
Frame multiverse thinking as a tool for possibility rather than resignation. Turn “what‑ifs” into goals: “What if I choose to build version‑X traits?” Then outline values-aligned action steps toward that self.
Case Illustration
Michael, age 34, presents with anxiety and existential distress. He believes there are other versions of him in different universes living more successful or adventurous lives. He struggles with depression and persistent comparisons.
Intervention plan:
- Psychoeducation about multiverse theory and its metaphorical value
- Guided imaginal exercise: Michael dialogues with a future self who overcame his fears—exploring insights and resources.
- Narrative journaling: Michael writes a story integrating both selves—identifying strengths he already possesses.
- Values-based goal setting: He creates concrete behavior shifts aligned with qualities admired in his variant.
Over a 12‑week course, Michael reports reduced anxiety, enhanced motivation, and elevated mood.
Discussion
Belief in multiverse narratives is speculative but psychologically relevant. Such thinking can either exacerbate anxiety and identity dissolution or facilitate self-exploration and emotional growth, depending on framing and cognitive style. The metaphor of multiverse offers a therapeutic tool—when used consciously—to unlock stuckness, re-described identity, and meaning.
Network theories of psychopathology also support the idea that small shifts in cognition or narrative can cascade into broader emotional change (Borsboom’s network model) psychologicalscience.org. Viewing alternate selves as internal archetypes rather than literal other universes supports mental flexibility without delusion.
Implications for Practice
- Incorporate multiverse metaphors into therapy when appropriate—but ground clinically.
- Screen for anxiety or compulsive ruminative thinking around alternate selves.
- Offer structured exercises (imagery, journaling, chairwork) to shift beliefs and generate growth.
- Use DSM‑5 codes such as GAD, Adjustment Disorder, or Identity Disturbance to track symptom changes.
Conclusion
Imagining encountering a version of yourself from another universe can provoke deep psychological dynamics—ranging from existential anxiety to possibility-based growth. From a PMHNP‑BC perspective, these multiverse-based narratives can be harnessed therapeutically—offering opportunities to reshape self-perception, reduce rigidity, and reengage with purpose. Though speculative in fiction, the effect on inner life can be very real.
References
Brouillette, R. (2023, March 27). Therapy everywhere, all at once: The therapy multiverse. Psychology Today. self-talk-therapy.com+2psychologytoday.com+2herenowhelp.com+2
Wisdom Universe Quest. (2023). The multiverse theory: How parallel universes affect our identity, purpose, and morality? Wisdom Universe Quest blog. wisdomuniversequest.com
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth inventory: measuring the positive legacy of trauma. In Posttraumatic growth: Theory, research, and applications (pp. 1–18). Taylor & Francis. Note: PTG theory, widely referenced in trauma literature en.wikipedia.org
Narrative identity. (2025). In Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org
Reddit user posts. (2021). Multiple realizations of intrusive multiverse thoughts and anxiety. Reddit. Reddit
Medium. (2021, Jan 4). The multiverse theory is my coping mechanism. Medium. Medium
Psychological Science Observer. (2022). Across your universe. Association for Psychological Science.