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