Hi there,
I thought I’d explain a little about the therapy we offer, and it’s called ACT. (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) The name doesn’t really do it justice; it is way more than that. I am always excited to use this therapy because I believe it can help just about anyone, with any type of issue. You don’t even have to have an issue for it to be of value!
Talking about ‘values’, this is a good starting point for this therapy. We can talk about values. We can ask questions of ourselves such as, what kind of person do I want to be? What do I stand for? When I’m at the end of my life what would I like people to remember me for? These are good questions to address now, when you still have time to do something about it. Values such as grace, fun, generosity, kindness, enthusiasm, fairness, sensitivity, love, truth-seeking, tolerance, honesty, thankfulness are to name just a few. What values are most important to you? In ACT we explore these.
Values are different than goals. Goals can be measured and attained. Goals are important but values help to clarity what gives our life a sense of meaning or purpose. We use values as an ongoing guide for our actions.
Values are different to desires, wants, needs, feelings, virtues, morals and ethics. Other thoughts on values are found in Russ Harris’ book ‘ACT made simple’.
5 keys points:
1. Values are here and now; goals are in the future
2. Values never need to be justified
3. Values often need to be prioritized
4. Values are best held lightly
5. Values are freely chosen
ACT also explores what helps us and also what types of things, such as thoughts and feelings, hinder us from pursuing our values.
Next time I write I will explain other interesting information about ACT and how pursuing life and relationships mindfully, can help you to bring the values that are important to you to life.
Cheers!
Heather Hayman