I used CBT-like cognitive exercises on my own for certain issues, mostly when I wanted to regulate behavioral responses to my impulses better, specifically to inhibit destructive reactions to impulses. I found them helpful. Never did CBT with a therapist though. My last T, who claimed to be eclectic and CBT was one of his modalities, told me once that he would not attempt to use it with me because he thought I would likely find it ridiculous. he used the word ridiculous. Probably true if someone else tried to apply it on me.