In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), values guide the therapeutic process and drive meaningful change. Values are the deeply held principles that give a person’s life purpose and direction. Goals are specific achievements, while values are enduring and work like a compass through the complexities of life. When clients identify and clarify their core values, they are better placed to make choices that match what matters to them, which supports fulfillment and well-being. Therapists need to emphasize this alignment, because it helps clients break out of the cycle of avoidance and start taking meaningful, purposeful action.
In this full-day training you will learn many ways to help clients explore and clarify their values so they can move toward a meaningful life. We will look at how values, authenticity and a life worth living connect. You will also learn how clients’ belief systems, often shaped by trauma or attachment wounds, can block the development of authentic values. Belief systems can change, and we will cover the clinical work needed for that to happen.
You will also see how clients can use values as a guide for setting goals. Value-based goals let clients prioritize what matters most and take actions that bring them closer to a purposeful, fulfilling life.
The training is interactive and experiential, with journaling and small group discussion, so keep a notebook nearby.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain the concept of “values-based living” and its role in ACT.
- Discuss how “committed action” is related to values.
- Describe how mindfulness is related to values.
- Describe at least twenty ways for client to explore their values.
- Explain how a client’s belief system can influence values-generation in both positive and negative ways.
- Demonstrate how clients can connect their values to their goals.
- Identify obstacles that prevent clients from living a life aligned with their values.
- Construct treatment plans with clients that reflect their values.
- Utilize values as a way to empower clients and generate hopefulness about the future.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Explain the concept of “values-based living” and its role in ACT
- Introduction to ACT
- Six main components
- The importance of values
Objective #2: Discuss how “committed action” is related to values
- Defining commitment
- Goal-setting
- Willingness
Objective #3: Describe how mindfulness is related to values
- Intuition
- Clarity of thought and purpose
- The role of distraction
Objective #4: Describe at least twenty ways for a client to explore their values
- Exploration of values
- Expressive writing activities
- Journaling prompts
Objective #5: Explain how a client’s belief system can influence values generation in both positive and negative ways
- Definitions
- Origins of belief systems
Objective #6: Demonstrate how clients can connect their values to their goals
- Exploring motivations behind values
- Methods for goal-setting
- Committed action and goals
Objective #7: Identify obstacles that prevent clients from living a life aligned with their values
- The role of fear
- Time management
Objective #8: Construct treatment plans with clients that reflect their values
- Exploring the presenting problem
- How to tie goal-setting to values to symptoms
- Client autonomy
Objective #9: Utilize values as a way to empower clients and generate hopefulness about the future
- Values and existentialism
- Values and spirituality
- What makes a life worth living?
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 6 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 6 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: March 22, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 6hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com