In acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), once clients like Emory have a clear understanding of their ABC patterns and the long-term consequences of their behaviors, the next step is to engage them in identifying and connecting with their values. This process is crucial for fostering meaningful behavior change. By increasing self-awareness and understanding how their current actions impact their lives, clients can begin to make more intentional choices. This section will explore how to help Emory get in touch with their values and use them to guide their behavior.
Understanding Values and Their Importance
Values as a Compass
Values in ACT are often likened to a compass—they provide direction but are never fully achieved or checked off a list. For example, if Emory’s value is to “go west,” the specific destinations they might reach (such as Calgary, British Columbia, or even further) are the goals, while “going west” remains a guiding principle throughout the journey. This analogy helps clients understand that values are enduring qualities that guide how they want to show up in life, rather than specific outcomes or achievements.
Differentiating Values from Goals
It’s essential to differentiate between values and goals when working with Emory. Goals are specific, measurable outcomes that can be accomplished and checked off a list, such as getting an A on a test. In contrast, values are qualities that guide behavior, such as showing up to studying with determination or supporting friends with kindness. Understanding this distinction helps Emory see that while goals can be achieved, values continue to guide behavior long after a specific goal has been reached.
Engaging Clients in Identifying Values
Recognizing Values Through Emotional Responses
One effective way to help Emory identify their values is by paying attention to the emotional responses they have during therapy. When discussing avoidance behaviors or when Emory is stuck in repetitive thoughts, they might appear disengaged or bored. However, when values are brought into the conversation, there is often a noticeable shift—Emory may become more animated, sit up straighter, or speak with more enthusiasm. These non-verbal cues can signal that Emory is connecting with something meaningful, providing valuable insight into their core values.
The Two Sides of the Coin Exercise
For teens like Emory who may struggle to articulate their values, the “Two Sides of the Coin” exercise can be particularly helpful. On one side of the coin (or cue card), Emory can write down the strong emotions they experience when things aren’t going well, such as anxiety, shame, or frustration. On the other side, they can identify the values that evoke these feelings when not fulfilled, such as the importance of doing well in school, maintaining friendships, or achieving independence. This exercise helps Emory see that their intense emotions are often linked to values that matter deeply to them.
Practical Applications for Identifying Values
Using Interests and Activities
Another effective way to explore values with Emory is by connecting them to activities they already enjoy, such as soccer. For instance, the therapist might ask Emory to imagine being on the soccer field and think about how they want to show up for themselves and their team. Emory might choose words like “determined” or “cooperative” to describe how they want to embody their values during the game. This exercise helps Emory link their values to something tangible and familiar, making it easier to understand and apply in daily life.
Relating Values to Admired Figures
If Emory struggles to identify values for themselves, the therapist might encourage them to think about someone they admire, such as a soccer player or a fictional character. By exploring the qualities they admire in this person, Emory can begin to identify similar qualities they might want to “try on” in their own life. This exercise creates a bit of distance, making it less intimidating for Emory to explore values by focusing on admired figures rather than directly on themselves.
Moving Toward Values-Driven Behavior
Shifting Focus from Worries to Values
The ultimate goal is to help Emory approach various aspects of life—such as friendships, soccer, or school—not from a place of worry and rumination but from a place of values. By focusing on how they want to show up in these situations, Emory can begin to make choices aligned with their values, rather than being driven by anxiety or fear. Over time, as Emory acts on their values, the consequences in the C column of the ABC model are likely to change, leading to more positive and fulfilling outcomes.