Core concept
Draft — not clinically reviewed yetDoubt labels
Harsh self-names activated under self-doubt — capability and desirability themes beneath automatic thoughts.
Source: Sokol & Fox (2019), The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
For learning and reflection — not diagnosis or treatment. Willow isn't your therapist or crisis line. Based on Sokol & Fox (2019). In crisis? See crisis resources or findahelpline.com.
What they are
The guide uses doubt labels for the negative names you call yourself when self-doubt activates — often surfacing through the downward arrow:
- "I'm stupid / incompetent / a failure" (capability themes)
- "I'm unlovable / defective / too much" (desirability themes)
Willow may also say "core beliefs" — match your vocabulary.
Hypothesis, not verdict
Naming a possible theme is an invitation to explore: "A lot of your thoughts seem to touch on not being enough — does that fit?" Not a diagnosis of who you are forever.
Link to automatic thoughts
Surface thought: "I ruined the dinner." Possible doubt label if true: "I'm a failure."
Working the automatic thought with evidence often helps; sometimes the label needs attention too.
Pace and safety
If exploring meaning spikes distress, pause. Trauma-linked labels belong with a clinician — Willow does not process trauma narratives.
Try it next
Pick a recurring self-criticism — Willow can use gentle downward-arrow questions if you want to go deeper.
From the guide
Doubt labels bias interpretation of situations and generate predictable automatic thoughts.
— Doubt labels; Sokol & Fox (2019), The Comprehensive Clinician's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
From the guide
We couldn't pull book excerpts right now. The summary above still follows the same source material.
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