Trace a negative automatic thought down through underlying assumptions to the core belief using the "what would that mean?" technique.
Downward Arrow Worksheet
PreviewSituation that triggered the thought
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Negative automatic thought (NAT)
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For each thought, ask: "If that were true, what would that mean?"
Downward arrow chain
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What core belief did you reach?
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How strongly do you believe this right now? (0–100%)
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What rules or assumptions protect you from this belief?
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A longitudinal CBT formulation based on Beck's cognitive model of depression — mapping early experiences through core beliefs to current maintenance cycles.
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