Values clarification — identifying what matters most to you at the deepest level — is a cornerstone of ACT therapy for adverse childhood experiences and provides direction when adverse childhood experiences removes other navigational tools.
Why Values Matter for Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experiences often disconnects us from our values through avoidance, withdrawal, and reduced capacity. Reconnecting with values provides:
- Direction when adverse childhood experiences has eliminated other motivation
- Meaning that persists even through difficult adverse childhood experiences periods
- A basis for action independent of how adverse childhood experiences makes you feel
Clarifying Your Values with Adverse Childhood Experiences
Ask yourself: 'If my adverse childhood experiences were less present, what would I be doing more of? What kind of person would I be?'
Values are not goals (achievable and done) but ongoing directions: being a present parent, creating beauty, contributing to others.
Values-Based Action in Adverse Childhood Experiences
ACT therapy teaches: act according to values even when adverse childhood experiences is present. Small values-aligned actions, despite adverse childhood experiences, are more sustainable than waiting for adverse childhood experiences to lift first.