Exploring Values Worksheet
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A common component of a client's experience with low self-esteem or emotional issues is difficulty relating to their sense of self. There are many reasons a client may struggle with negative beliefs about themself, and something that can especially affect their self-image is not being aware of what they value in life. Being disconnected from personal values can significantly impact self-esteem. It can also cause a person to feel a lack of direction or motivation in life.
Helping a client discover their values can help a great deal when they are working on discovering personal strengths and what is important to them. Exploring values can also help people feel more in touch with who they are and encourage them to work on improving their lifestyle and mental health.
About This Worksheet
Exploring values can be a valuable exercise that can help boost motivation and provide the client with a sense of direction. The Exploring Values worksheet goal aids the client in discovering their values and how they apply them to their day-to-day life. Most people have a set of values, but it can be difficult at times to live life through those values. Sometimes, values slip away from conscious awareness when a client is struggling with their mental health.
This worksheet supports clients in clarifying the values that are already present in their lives, as well as identifying values that may require further attention or alignment. By increasing awareness of what matters most, clients can build a stronger sense of direction and purpose. The exercise also facilitates goal setting by helping translate values into meaningful actions.
The Exploring Values worksheet can help clients with self-esteem issues or low motivation discover their direction and achieve independence while they work toward their life goals. It can be used in an individual or group setting, and is appropriate for adolescents and adults working on building their values.
Instructions
Before introducing this worksheet, have a discussion with your client about their values. Explain why it is important to be in touch with personal values, and how strengthening these values may help them in therapy.
The questions on this worksheet are self-reflective and require the client to take their time to record their thoughts. When they are done, review their responses and open a discussion about how connecting with their values can help them achieve their treatment goals. You may ask follow-up questions, like:
- What are some ways that you are already acting in line with your values?
- What is one small step toward living in line with your values that you can take this week?
In a group setting, you may also use the questions as prompts for discussion after the clients have completed recording their responses. Having a group discussion about values can help clients learn from each other and build on their own values. Allow the client to take a copy with them for reference.
References
Barney, J. L., Lillis, J., Haynos, A. F., Forman, E., & Juarascio, A. S. (2019). Assessing the valuing process in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Experts' review of the current status and recommendations for future measure development. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 12, 225–233.
Bonow, J. T., & Follette, W. C. (2009). Beyond values clarification: addressing client values in clinical behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 32(1), 69–84.
