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