Session 9

This chapter describes a session focused on values work within the context of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Values work or talking about values can help increase engagement in therapy, but the ultimate goal of clarifying values is to increase clients’ awareness of what truly matters to them so they have a meaningful direction in which to move. Specifically, values work entails defusing from external rules and expectations, defining values, providing examples of values, clarifying clients’ personal values, assessing consistency of current actions with values, setting goals consistent with values, and following through on chosen goals. Measures used to aid in doing values work include the Bull’s Eye Values Survey (BEVS) and the Values Living Questionnaire (VLQ).