Common concern
Draft — not clinically reviewed yetWorry
Free-floating rumination and what-if spirals — worry postponement, probability checks, and when worry needs a clinician.
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.
When worry is the pattern
Some anxiety attaches to one situation (see Anxiety). Worry is often broader — repetitive "what if" loops that run in the background and feel urgent even when nothing is happening right now.
The cognitive behavioral therapy frame: worry can feel like problem-solving, but it often rehearses catastrophes without producing a plan.
Skills that help
Worry postponement
Pick a daily worry time (15–20 minutes). When worry intrudes outside that window, note the topic briefly and tell yourself you will return to it at the scheduled time. See the full worry postponement guide.
One worry on paper
Choose a single worry. Ask: Is this a problem I can act on today? If yes → one small action. If no → probability and coping questions from the anxiety page.
Thought record for a sticky worry
When one scenario dominates, use the thought record on that specific trigger.
Scope
Willow will not diagnose generalized anxiety disorder or recommend medication. Persistent, impairing worry that has lasted months belongs with a clinician — Willow can support skills alongside care, not replace it.
Try it next
Open chat to set up worry time for tomorrow or to examine one repeating what-if.
From the guide
Scheduling a short worry time later can reduce all-day rumination without pretending the concerns do not matter.
— Worry postponement; 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.
Related topics
Practice this with Willow
Open chat with a starter prompt for this topic. Same skills and safety rules as always.
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