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