Month: February 2025

Therapy

Values Clarification: Discovering What Truly Matters

S. Reimers, JD/LICSW

Part Four in a Six Part Series on the Core Principles of ACT Therapy

This post is the fourth in our series exploring the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach designed to foster psychological flexibility and help individuals live meaningful, values-driven lives. In previous posts, we discussed Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, and Present Moment Awareness. Now, we delve into another essential principle of the ACT hexaflex: Values Clarification.

What Is Values Clarification in ACT?

Values clarification is the process of identifying, articulating, and committing to what truly matters in your life. In ACT, values are described as chosen life directions—qualities of being and doing that give our lives meaning and purpose. Unlike goals, which can be achieved or completed, values are enduring and guide our actions across all areas of life.

Values clarification helps us connect with the deeper reasons behind our actions and decisions. It involves exploring what we stand for, what we care about, and how we want to show up in the world. This process is deeply personal and unique to each individual, as it reflects our inner sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Why Is Values Clarification Important?

Values serve as a compass that guides our actions, especially during challenging times. Without clarity about our values, we may feel directionless, make choices that don’t align with our true selves, or avoid discomfort in ways that undermine our long-term well-being. Clarifying values helps us:

  • Prioritize What Matters: By understanding what is most important to us, we can focus our energy and attention on activities and relationships that align with our values.
  • Navigate Challenges: Values provide a sense of direction and motivation, even in the face of pain, uncertainty, or adversity.
  • Enhance Psychological Flexibility: Acting in accordance with our values fosters resilience and a sense of purpose, enabling us to adapt more effectively to life’s difficulties.

Values Clarification in Action: A Metaphor

A helpful metaphor for values clarification is the “Lighthouse.” Imagine you are sailing in rough waters. The lighthouse represents your values—a steady beacon that guides you toward your destination, even when the seas are stormy or the journey is difficult. While the lighthouse doesn’t eliminate the waves, it provides direction and purpose, helping you navigate through the challenges.

Practical Strategies to Clarify Your Values

Values clarification is an ongoing process that evolves as we grow and change. Here are some strategies to help you identify and connect with your values:

  1. Reflect on Meaningful Moments: Think about times in your life when you felt truly fulfilled, proud, or alive. What qualities or actions were present in those moments? These reflections can provide clues about your core values.
  2. Explore Different Life Domains: Consider various areas of your life, such as relationships, work, health, personal growth, and community involvement. What kind of person do you want to be in each domain? What qualities do you want to embody?
  3. Write Your Eulogy: Imagine what you would want others to say about you at the end of your life. What would you want them to remember about your character, actions, and contributions? This exercise can reveal your most cherished values.
  4. Use Values Lists or Card Sorts: Tools like values lists or card sorting exercises can help you identify and prioritize values. These activities involve reviewing a list of potential values, selecting the ones that resonate most with you, and ranking them by importance.
  5. Ask Values-Based Questions: Questions such as, “What kind of person do I want to be?” or “What do I want my life to stand for?” can help you clarify your values.

Common Misconceptions About Values Clarification

To fully embrace values clarification, it’s important to address common misconceptions:

  • Values Are Not the Same as Goals: While goals are specific, measurable outcomes, values are ongoing qualities that guide our actions. For example, “being a caring parent” is a value, while “spending one hour of quality time with my child each day” is a goal that aligns with that value.
  • Values Are Not Fixed: Values can evolve over time as we gain new experiences and insights. The process of values clarification is dynamic and adaptable.
  • Values Are Not Universal: Each person’s values are unique and deeply personal. What matters to one person may not resonate with another, and that’s okay.

The Role of Values Clarification in the ACT Hexaflex

Values clarification is central to the ACT hexaflex, connecting directly to committed action, another core principle of ACT. Once we identify our values, we can take purposeful actions that align with them, even in the face of discomfort or obstacles. By grounding ourselves in our values, we cultivate a sense of meaning and direction, enhancing our overall well-being.

Final Thoughts

Values clarification is a transformative process that helps us discover what truly matters and align our actions with our deepest aspirations. By connecting with our values, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose.

In the next post in this series, we will explore the principle of Committed Action, which builds on the foundation of values clarification to help us take meaningful steps toward a fulfilling life. For now, take some time to reflect on your own values. What matters most to you? How can you begin to align your actions with your values today? The journey to a values-driven life begins with these small but significant steps.

If you live in Washington State, and you would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact me here. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

:), Susan Reimers, JD/LICSW

Therapy, Uncategorized

Present Moment Awareness: Fully Engaging with Life

S. Reimers, JD/LICSW

Part Three in our Six Part Series on the Core Principles of ACT Therapy

This post is the third in our series exploring the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility and lead values-driven lives. Having covered Acceptance and Cognitive Defusion in the previous posts, we now turn to another foundational principle of the ACT hexaflex: Present Moment Awareness.

What Is Present Moment Awareness in ACT?

Present moment awareness, often synonymous with mindfulness, is the practice of fully engaging with the here and now. It involves consciously attending to your current experiences—thoughts, emotions, sensations, and surroundings—without judgment or distraction. In ACT, this principle emphasizes being present, open, and flexible, regardless of whether the moment is pleasant or uncomfortable.

Modern life often pulls us out of the present moment, with distractions, worries about the future, and ruminations on the past dominating our attention. Present moment awareness helps us reconnect with what is happening right now, grounding us in our immediate experience. This practice fosters clarity and focus, enabling us to respond to life with intention rather than reacting automatically.

Why Is Present Moment Awareness Important?

Present moment awareness is crucial for psychological flexibility. When we are caught up in worries, regrets, or automatic thoughts, we can lose touch with what truly matters. By bringing our attention back to the present, we create space to observe our experiences with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgment or avoidance.

This principle also helps reduce the impact of unhelpful thought patterns and emotions. For example, instead of becoming overwhelmed by anxiety about an upcoming event, present moment awareness allows us to notice the feeling of anxiety, acknowledge it, and refocus on the current task or situation. Over time, this practice can improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

Present Moment Awareness in Action: A Metaphor

A common ACT metaphor for present moment awareness is the “Observer on the Mountain.” Imagine you are sitting on top of a mountain, watching the valley below. You see weather patterns come and go: sunshine, rain, storms, and clouds. From your vantage point, you can observe these changes without being swept away by them. Similarly, present moment awareness helps you observe your internal experiences from a place of stability, rather than getting lost in them.

Practical Strategies to Cultivate Present Moment Awareness

In ACT, present moment awareness is developed through mindfulness practices and intentional exercises. Here are some practical strategies to integrate into your daily life:

  1. Mindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your body. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. This simple practice anchors you in the present moment.
  2. Body Scan: Take a few minutes to scan your body from head to toe, noticing sensations, tension, or areas of relaxation. This practice fosters awareness of your physical state and helps ground you in the present.
  3. Five Senses Exercise: Pause and take note of your surroundings using your five senses. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? This exercise helps you reconnect with your environment and shifts your focus away from unhelpful thoughts.
  4. Labeling Experiences: As you notice thoughts or emotions, label them objectively. For example, say to yourself, “I am noticing a feeling of sadness” or “I am having a thought about failure.” This practice encourages nonjudgmental awareness.
  5. Engaging Fully in Activities: Choose an everyday activity, such as washing dishes or drinking coffee, and give it your full attention. Notice the textures, smells, and sensations involved. This practice helps you appreciate the richness of ordinary moments.

Common Misconceptions About Present Moment Awareness

To fully embrace present moment awareness, it is important to address common misconceptions:

  • Mindfulness Is Not About Eliminating Thoughts: The goal is not to empty your mind but to observe your thoughts and experiences without judgment or attachment.
  • Mindfulness Is Not Always Relaxing: While mindfulness can reduce stress over time, the practice itself may involve confronting uncomfortable emotions or sensations.
  • Mindfulness Is Not a Fixed State: Present moment awareness is a skill that requires ongoing practice. It is normal for your mind to wander, and bringing it back to the present is part of the process.

The Role of Present Moment Awareness in the ACT Hexaflex

Present moment awareness is a foundational component of the ACT hexaflex, deeply intertwined with acceptance, defusion, and values-based living. By cultivating this principle, we enhance our ability to stay connected to our values and respond flexibly to life’s challenges. It allows us to fully engage with each moment, fostering a sense of presence and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Present moment awareness is a powerful tool for living a more intentional and fulfilling life. By grounding ourselves in the here and now, we can reduce the influence of unhelpful thoughts and emotions and create space for meaningful action. As you practice mindfulness, remember to approach yourself with patience and kindness. Each moment is an opportunity to begin again.

In the next post in this series, we will explore the principle of Values Clarification, which helps us identify and prioritize what truly matters in our lives. For now, take a moment to pause and notice your current experience. What do you see, hear, or feel? The present moment is always available to you, waiting to be explored.

If you live in Washington State, and you would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact me here. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

:), Susan Reimers, JD/LICSW

Therapy

Cognitive Defusion: A Key to Psychological Flexibility

S. Reimers, JD/LICSW

Part Two of a Six Part Series on the Core Principles of ACT Therapy

Changing Your Relationship with Thoughts

This post is the second in our series exploring the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach designed to enhance psychological flexibility and promote a values-driven life. Following our discussion of Acceptance, we now turn to another foundational principle of the ACT hexaflex: Cognitive Defusion.

What Is Cognitive Defusion in ACT?

Cognitive defusion is the process of changing how we relate to our thoughts. In ACT, thoughts are not viewed as inherently good or bad, true or false. Instead, the focus is on how much power we give to these thoughts and whether they help us live according to our values. Cognitive defusion involves stepping back from thoughts, seeing them for what they are—simply words or images in our minds—rather than as literal truths that must dictate our actions or emotions.

When we become fused with our thoughts, we treat them as absolute facts and allow them to dominate our decisions and behaviors. Defusion helps us break free from this grip, enabling us to observe our thoughts with curiosity and perspective. By doing so, we can reduce their impact and influence, allowing us to act in alignment with our values rather than being controlled by unhelpful mental content.

Why Is Cognitive Defusion Important?

Cognitive defusion is crucial because it helps us disentangle from thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral avoidance. Many psychological struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, are fueled by unhelpful thinking. When we take our thoughts too seriously or treat them as ultimate truths, we can become stuck in patterns of rumination, worry, or self-criticism.

Defusion allows us to create distance from these thoughts, diminishing their power and influence. It helps us see that thoughts are not commands we must obey or obstacles we must eliminate. Instead, they are transient experiences that we can observe and let pass without getting caught up in their content. This shift empowers us to make choices based on our values rather than being driven by automatic thought patterns.

Cognitive Defusion in Action: A Metaphor

One of the most well-known metaphors for cognitive defusion is the “Passengers on the Bus” metaphor. Imagine you are driving a bus, and the passengers represent your thoughts. Some passengers are loud, critical, or demanding, while others are quiet or supportive. If you stop the bus every time a passenger yells at you, you won’t make much progress toward your destination. Cognitive defusion teaches you to keep driving the bus, acknowledging the passengers’ presence but not letting them dictate your journey.

Practical Strategies to Cultivate Cognitive Defusion

In ACT, cognitive defusion is a skill that can be practiced and developed. Here are some techniques to help you foster this skill:

  1. Labeling Thoughts: Practice noticing your thoughts and labeling them as they arise. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m a failure,” you might say, “I’m having the thought that I’m a failure.” This simple shift creates distance and reminds you that thoughts are not facts.
  2. Silly Voices Exercise: Repeat a troubling thought in a silly voice or imagine it being said by a cartoon character. This exercise highlights the arbitrary nature of thoughts and reduces their emotional impact.
  3. Thought Clouds: Visualize your thoughts as clouds drifting across the sky. Notice them come and go without trying to hold onto or push them away. This imagery reinforces the idea that thoughts are temporary and not inherently powerful.
  4. Leaves on a Stream: Imagine placing each thought on a leaf and letting it float down a stream. Watch as the leaf drifts away, carrying the thought with it. This technique helps you practice letting go of unhelpful thoughts.
  5. Thank Your Mind: When your mind produces a particularly challenging thought, try saying, “Thank you, mind,” with a touch of humor or kindness. This response acknowledges the thought’s presence without becoming entangled in it.

Common Misconceptions About Cognitive Defusion

It is important to clarify what cognitive defusion is and what it is not:

  • Defusion Is Not Suppression: Defusion does not involve pushing thoughts away or trying to eliminate them. Instead, it involves changing your relationship with them.
  • Defusion Is Not Distraction: While defusion techniques may reduce the immediate impact of a thought, their primary goal is to foster awareness and perspective, not to avoid or distract from the thought.
  • Defusion Is Not About Truth: The goal is not to determine whether a thought is true or false but to assess whether it is helpful and aligned with your values.

The Role of Cognitive Defusion in the ACT Hexaflex

Cognitive defusion is closely connected to other principles of the ACT hexaflex, such as mindfulness and acceptance. Together, these principles create a flexible approach to managing difficult thoughts and emotions while pursuing a meaningful life. By practicing defusion, you can increase your ability to stay present, act intentionally, and focus on what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Cognitive defusion is a transformative skill that allows us to step back from our thoughts and see them for what they are: fleeting mental events rather than absolute truths. By cultivating this skill, we can reduce the power of unhelpful thinking and make choices that align with our values and goals.

In the next post in this series, we will explore the principle of Present Moment Awareness, which builds on the concepts of acceptance and defusion to help us engage more fully with life. For now, consider how cognitive defusion might apply to your own experiences. How might your life change if you could view your thoughts with greater curiosity and detachment? The journey to greater psychological flexibility starts with small steps like these.

If you live in Washington State, and you would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact me here. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

:), Susan Reimers, JD/LICSW

Therapy

Acceptance: Greeting Life Without Judgment

S. Reimers, JD/LICSW

Part One in a Six Part Series on the Core Principles of ACT Therapy

Embracing Life as It Is

This post is the first in a series exploring the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals build a meaningful and values-driven life. ACT is structured around six interrelated principles, often visualized as a hexaflex. These principles work together to cultivate psychological flexibility, a key component of well-being. In this series, we begin with one of the foundational principles: Acceptance.

What Is Acceptance in ACT?

Acceptance in ACT is not about passive resignation or giving up. Rather, it is an active process of opening up to our inner experiences—thoughts, emotions, memories, and sensations—without judgment or attempts to avoid, suppress, or control them. It is the practice of making room for these experiences, even when they are uncomfortable, while continuing to engage with life in meaningful ways.

At its core, acceptance challenges the natural human tendency to fight against discomfort or unpleasant emotions. In modern society, we are often taught to “fix” problems, avoid pain, and pursue happiness at all costs. While this approach can be helpful in many contexts, it becomes problematic when applied to our internal world. Struggling against pain often amplifies suffering, creating a cycle of avoidance and distress that prevents us from living fully.

Why Is Acceptance Important?

Acceptance is vital because it frees us from the exhausting battle of trying to control what we cannot. Many psychological struggles stem from attempts to avoid difficult emotions or thoughts, a process known as experiential avoidance. While avoidance may bring short-term relief, it often leads to long-term problems, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, or a diminished sense of meaning in life.

When we practice acceptance, we learn to approach our internal experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than fear or aversion. This shift allows us to respond more effectively to life’s challenges, enabling us to focus our energy on what truly matters. Importantly, acceptance does not mean liking or approving of painful experiences. It simply means acknowledging their presence without allowing them to dominate our lives.

Acceptance in Action: A Metaphor

A powerful metaphor used in ACT to explain acceptance is the “struggle with quicksand.” Imagine you are trapped in quicksand. Your first instinct might be to struggle and thrash in an effort to escape. However, this reaction only causes you to sink deeper. The way out is counterintuitive: stop struggling, spread your weight evenly, and allow yourself to float. Similarly, acceptance involves letting go of the struggle with difficult emotions and thoughts, creating the space to move forward.

Practical Strategies to Cultivate Acceptance

In ACT, acceptance is not just a concept but a skill that can be developed through practice. Here are some strategies to help cultivate acceptance in daily life:

  1. Mindful Observation: Practice noticing your thoughts and emotions as they arise, without labeling them as “good” or “bad.” For example, if you feel anxious, simply acknowledge, “I am noticing anxiety right now.” This nonjudgmental awareness helps create distance from the experience, reducing its intensity.
  2. Allowing and Breathing: When faced with a challenging emotion, pause and take a few deep breaths. Visualize yourself creating space for the emotion, allowing it to be there without resistance. Remember that emotions, like waves, will naturally rise and fall if you let them.
  3. Anchoring in the Present: Engage your senses to ground yourself in the present moment. Focus on the feel of the ground beneath your feet, the sound of birds chirping, or the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. This practice can help you stay present rather than getting caught up in avoidance.
  4. Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel pain and that you are not alone in your struggles. Self-compassion can soften resistance and create a safe space for acceptance.
  5. Acceptance Imagery: Imagine your thoughts and emotions as leaves floating down a stream or clouds passing across the sky. This imagery can help you see them as temporary and separate from your core self, reducing the urge to control or suppress them.

Common Misconceptions About Acceptance

It is important to address some common misunderstandings about acceptance:

  • Acceptance Is Not Endorsement: Accepting an experience does not mean you agree with it or want it to continue. It simply means you are choosing to stop fighting against its presence.
  • Acceptance Is Not Passive: Acceptance is an active stance. It requires courage and effort to turn toward discomfort and make space for it.
  • Acceptance Does Not Replace Action: Acceptance works hand-in-hand with committed action. While you make room for difficult experiences, you also take steps aligned with your values and goals.

The Role of Acceptance in the ACT Hexaflex

Acceptance is intricately linked with the other principles of the ACT hexaflex, such as mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values-based action. Together, these principles create a framework for navigating life’s challenges with greater flexibility and resilience. By practicing acceptance, you lay the foundation for engaging more fully with the present moment and pursuing a meaningful life.

Final Thoughts

Learning to embrace acceptance is a transformative journey. It allows us to let go of the struggle with pain and focus on what truly matters: living in alignment with our values. In the next post in this series, we will delve into the principle of cognitive defusion, another essential component of the ACT model.

For now, consider how acceptance might play a role in your life. What would it feel like to stop fighting against difficult emotions or thoughts and instead make space for them? The path to greater well-being often begins with this simple yet profound shift.

If you live in Washington State, and you would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact me here. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

:), Susan Reimers, JD/LICSW