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