Living Well with Pain: Acceptance & Values
An ACT chronic pain worksheet examining control efforts and their costs, values, small values-based actions and willingness to have pain.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · ACT for chronic pain
- Approach / concern
- Chronic Pain
- Technique
- ACT for chronic pain
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Living Well with Pain: Acceptance & Values?
Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain targets psychological flexibility: reducing unworkable struggle with pain and increasing engagement in valued activities, even when pain is present.
Why it works
ACT and mindfulness approaches for chronic pain improve functioning and reduce disability (McCracken & Vowles, 2014). A meta-analysis found ACT improves physical functioning, anxiety and depression in chronic pain (Hughes et al., 2017).
When to use it
- Chronic pain conditions
- Activity avoidance and disability
- Pain-related distress
- Pain management programs
How to use it in session
- Explore control strategies.
- Assess their costs (creative hopelessness).
- Clarify values.
- Plan small values-based actions.
- Rate willingness.
Clinician tips
- Validate that pain is real.
- Combine with pacing.
- Acceptance is not resignation.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Does acceptance mean the pain is in my head?
No. Acceptance acknowledges real pain while reducing the struggle that adds suffering.
Will ACT reduce my pain?
The main goal is better living and functioning; some people also notice less pain-related distress.
References
McCracken, L. M., & Vowles, K. E. (2014). Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for chronic pain: Model, process, and progress. American Psychologist, 69(2), 178-187.
Hughes, L. S., Clark, J., Colclough, J. A., Dale, E., & McMillan, D. (2017). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Clinical Journal of Pain, 33(6), 552-568.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
