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