Choice Point: Towards or Away?
An ACT choice point worksheet mapping a situation's hooks, away moves, towards moves, unhooking skills and relevant values.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Approach / concern
- ACT
- Technique
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- 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 Choice Point: Towards or Away??
The choice point is an ACT tool that maps how difficult internal experiences lead to away moves, and how unhooking skills support towards moves guided by values.
Why it works
Harris (2019) presents the choice point as a simple ACT case conceptualization. ACT targets psychological flexibility to support valued action (Hayes et al., 2012).
When to use it
- Any presenting problem
- ACT case conceptualization
- Teens and adults
- Group work
How to use it in session
- Pick a situation.
- Identify hooks.
- List away and towards moves.
- Choose unhooking skills.
- Link to values.
Clinician tips
- Use the client’s language.
- Away moves aren’t ‘bad’, just unworkable.
- Revisit regularly.
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
What is a choice point?
The moment where you can move towards or away from your values.
Are away moves always wrong?
No, but noticing them helps you choose what works long term.
References
Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy (2nd ed.). New Harbinger.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
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.
