Values clarification — identifying what matters most to you at the deepest level — is a cornerstone of ACT therapy for boundaries and provides direction when boundaries removes other navigational tools.
Why Values Matter for Boundaries
Boundaries often disconnects us from our values through avoidance, withdrawal, and reduced capacity. Reconnecting with values provides:
- Direction when boundaries has eliminated other motivation
- Meaning that persists even through difficult boundaries periods
- A basis for action independent of how boundaries makes you feel
Clarifying Your Values with Boundaries
Ask yourself: 'If my boundaries 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 Boundaries
ACT therapy teaches: act according to values even when boundaries is present. Small values-aligned actions, despite boundaries, are more sustainable than waiting for boundaries to lift first.