ACT · Values
Values Compass
ACT — name the directions that matter, not the goals
About this worksheet
Values work is the heart of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Unlike goals (which can be achieved and crossed off), values are chosen directions — patterns of living the client wants to move toward whether or not they ever 'arrive.' This compass worksheet walks the client through twelve life domains (family, intimate relationships, parenting, friendships, work, education, recreation, spirituality, community, physical health, mental health, environment) and asks two questions per domain: what direction matters here, and what's one committed action toward it this week. The structure prevents the common failure mode of values work — abstract, sky-high statements like 'be a good person' that never connect to behavior. Concrete domain + concrete action = movement. ACT clinicians use this early in treatment as values clarification, and revisit it quarterly as a recalibration tool.
When to use it
- ACT case conceptualization — usually within the first 3 sessions.
- Stuck depression, where the client has lost contact with what they used to care about.
- Post-crisis or post-trauma rebuilding, when meaning needs reconstruction.
- End-of-treatment relapse prevention — a tangible map for life after therapy.
How to use it
- 1Skim all twelve domains first
Don't fill anything in yet. Notice which domains feel hot, cold, or numb. The reaction is data.
- 2Pick the top four
Trying to engage all twelve domains is a setup for failure. Pick the four that matter most right now.
- 3Name the value, not the goal
Not 'lose 20 pounds' — 'tend to my physical health.' Not 'get married' — 'show up with care in relationships.' Direction, not destination.
- 4One committed action per domain
Small. This week. Concrete enough that the client knows exactly what 'done' looks like.
- 5Review weekly
Did the action happen? If not, was it too big, or was something else in the way? Use the data to recalibrate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a values compass in ACT?+
A worksheet that maps personally chosen values across life domains (family, work, health, etc.) and pairs each with a concrete committed action. It's the values clarification core of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
What's the difference between values and goals in ACT?+
Goals are achievable endpoints (run a marathon). Values are chosen ongoing directions (caring for my body). Goals can be crossed off; values can be moved toward indefinitely. ACT works from values, not goals.
How is ACT values work different from CBT?+
CBT focuses on changing the content of thoughts and feelings. ACT focuses on changing the relationship to thoughts and feelings while moving toward values. Values work in ACT is the engine — the rest of the model serves it.
Can clients do values work in early treatment?+
Yes, and it's recommended. Values often guide the rest of treatment — without them, ACT becomes generic mindfulness. The compass is typically used within the first 3 sessions.
Related worksheets
Worksheet — Values Compass — provided by TherapistAssist for clinical use. Not a substitute for assessment or treatment.