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