Values Clarification Worksheet
An ACT worksheet that guides clients to describe their values across ten life domains, rate importance and consistency, identify the biggest gap and plan one small committed action.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Values · Committed action
- Approach / concern
- ACT
- Technique
- Values · Committed action
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (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 Values Clarification Worksheet?
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, values are freely chosen qualities of ongoing action, such as being caring, curious or brave, that give life direction and meaning. This worksheet uses a domain format, similar to well-known values questionnaires, to help clients articulate values and notice where their actions differ from what matters most to them.
Why it works
Values work is central to ACT’s aim of increasing psychological flexibility (Hayes et al., 2012). Rating importance and consistency across domains, as in the Valued Living Questionnaire (Wilson et al., 2010), highlights meaningful targets for behaviour change and builds motivation that lasts.
When to use it
- Early ACT sessions
- Depression and low motivation
- Life transitions and career decisions
- Chronic pain and illness, to refocus on meaningful activity
How to use it in session
- Distinguish values (directions) from goals (destinations).
- Let the client skip areas that don’t feel relevant.
- Rate importance and consistency honestly, without judgement.
- Choose the biggest gap and one small action.
- Anticipate barriers and link to defusion and acceptance skills.
Clinician tips
- Use questions like “What would you want people to say about you at 80?” to evoke values.
- Values should be chosen, not ‘shoulds’.
- Revisit the sheet every few months.
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’s the difference between a value and a goal?
A goal can be completed (run a 5K); a value is an ongoing direction (taking care of my health). Goals are steps in the direction of values.
What if my values conflict?
That’s normal. ACT encourages flexibly balancing values over time rather than choosing one forever.
References
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.
Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple (2nd ed.). New Harbinger.
Wilson, K. G., Sandoz, E. K., Kitchens, J., & Roberts, M. (2010). The Valued Living Questionnaire: Defining and measuring valued action within a behavioral framework. The Psychological Record, 60(2), 249-272.
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.
