Exploring Valued Domains

Exploring the domains in which values are enacted is an effective way to introduce clients to the concept of values, and can not only be highly motivating, but can also promote greater psychological flexibility.

Values are discussed and explored in many psychotherapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT; e.g., Beck et al., 2021), person-centred therapy (Rogers, 1964), behavioural activation (Kanter et al., 2010), motivational interviewing (e.g., Miller & Rollnick, 2023), logotherapy (e.g., Frankl, 2004), and positive psychotherapy (e.g., Slade et al., 2017). However, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has presented the most comprehensive theory for values. It is grounded in basic behavioural principles and relational frame theory, and has developed a thorough range of values-focused interventions (Plumb et al., 2009).

ACT is primarily a behavioural treatment, which aims to help people pursue an actively meaningful path through life. Accordingly, all ACT interventions ultimately support individuals to live by their values (Hayes et al.,

Before starting this task, ensure that the client has a general sense of what values are and why they are important:

"The word ‘values’ can mean many different things. You might use it to talk about your sense of right or wrong, or about your goals and things you want to achieve, like being a parent or making money. The values I’d like us to explore are the ones that “reflect the kind of person you want to be as you move through life”, or “the way you live when you’re living a meaningful life”. They’re the qualities you would want to bring to your actions. For example, you might value being caring and supporting in your relationships, or care about seeking justice and fairness for people who are vulnerable.

I’d like to do an exercise exploring the areas of your life that might be important to you and where you live

• Beck, A. T., Grant, P., Inverso, E., Brinen, A. P., & Perivoliotis (2021). Recovery-orientated cognitive therapy for serious mental health conditions. Guilford Press.
• Chase, J. A., Houmanfar, R., Hayes, S. C., Ward, T. A., Vilardaga, J. P., & Follette, V. (2013). Values are not just goals: Online ACT-based values training adds to goal setting in improving undergraduate college student performance. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 2, 79-84. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2013.08.002.
• Ciarrochi, J. & Bailey, A. (2008). A CBT-Practitioner’s Guide to ACT:  How to Bridge the Gap Between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger  Publications, Inc.: Oakland, CA.
• Dahl, J. C., Plumb, J. C., Stewart, I., & Lundgren, T. (2009). The art and science of valuing in psychotherapy: Helping clients discover, explore, and commit to valued action using acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger Publications.
• Dahl, J., Wilson, K. G., & Nilsson, A. (2004). Acceptance and commitment therapy and the treatment of