Living in Your Values: A Therapist's Guide to Finding Meaning with ACT Therapy

May 14

As a licensed therapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), one of the most powerful tools I share with my clients is the concept of values-based living. Unlike rigid goal-setting or chasing temporary happiness, ACT focuses on helping you clarify your values and take committed action—even in the face of fear, anxiety, or self-doubt.

In this blog post, I’ll explore how living in alignment with your values can reduce suffering, increase psychological flexibility, and guide you toward a more fulfilling life.

What Does It Mean to "Live in Your Values"?

Your values are the guiding principles that give your life direction and meaning. They aren’t goals that can be completed—they’re ongoing choices about how you want to show up in the world.

For example, if you value connection, you might prioritize spending meaningful time with loved ones or being emotionally available in relationships. If you value growth, you may challenge yourself to try new things, even when they’re uncomfortable.

Living in your values means acting in ways that reflect what truly matters to you—even when it’s hard.

How ACT Therapy Helps You Connect to Your Values

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that blends mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and behavior change. One of the core aims of ACT is to help you clarify your personal values and take consistent action in line with them.

Here’s how ACT supports values-based living:

1. Clarifying Your Values

In therapy, we explore what matters most to you—not what society, family, or past experiences have told you should matter. We use reflective exercises, metaphors, and mindful awareness to help you uncover your unique values.

2. Accepting Internal Struggles

Instead of fighting difficult thoughts or emotions, ACT encourages you to make room for them. By learning to sit with discomfort, you create space to take action anyway—especially when the action aligns with your values.

3. Defusing from Unhelpful Thoughts

ACT teaches cognitive defusion skills, which help you see thoughts for what they are—just thoughts, not truths. This gives you the freedom to act based on values rather than mental chatter or fear-based thinking.

4. Taking Committed Action

The heart of ACT is turning values into consistent, meaningful behaviors. Whether that’s setting boundaries, speaking your truth, or pursuing a creative passion, you learn to take action—even small steps—toward what really matters.

Real-Life Example: Values Over Fear

Let’s say you deeply value authenticity, but you’ve been avoiding tough conversations at work because you fear conflict. In ACT therapy, we wouldn’t try to get rid of your fear—we’d help you recognize it, make room for it, and choose to speak up because authenticity matters to you.

That’s the power of ACT: choosing your path based on values, not avoidance.

Why Living in Your Values Improves Mental Health

Research shows that values-based living is associated with:

Lower levels of anxiety and depression
Increased resilience
Stronger sense of purpose
Greater life satisfaction

When you're anchored in your values, you're more able to weather life's challenges. You feel empowered to live intentionally, not reactively.

Start Living in Your Values Today

If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of your direction, therapy grounded in ACT can help. Together, we’ll clarify what matters most to you and build the skills to move toward it—even when life is messy.

Interested in ACT Therapy? Let’s Work Together.
As a therapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I help clients like you live with more clarity, courage, and purpose. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, or big life changes, ACT offers tools for transformation.

👉 Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how ACT therapy can support your journey.

Sabrina Anderson