The Art & Science of Valuing in Psychotherapy: Helping Clients Discover, Explore, and Commit to Valued Action Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

by Dahl, JoAnne C., Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9781572246263
• ISBN10: 157224626X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-07-01
• Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns Inc

Summary

Valuing is central to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), yet few therapists truly understand how to engage clients in this complex process. Questions such as "What is the purpose of my life?" and "How do I make decisions?" are difficult to answer honestly for ourselves, let alone share with another person. The Art and Science of Valuing in Psychotherapy is the mental health practitioner's complete guide to helping clients identify their values and apply them to their lives in practical ways. You will also learn to establish your own values as a professional, which may shift from client to client, and act in accordance with these values in therapy.

Author Biography

Joanne C. Dahl, PH.D., is associate professor and senior lecturer in the psychology department at the University of Uppsala in Sweden. She is a leading acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) researcher who has applied ACT to various conditions, including chronic pain. Dahl is author of Living Beyond Your Pain and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain. Jennifer C. Plumb, MA, is an advanced clinical psychology doctoral student at the University of Nevada, Reno, working with Steven Hayes, Ph.D. She works primarily with patients who have anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationship difficulties. Ian Stewart, PH.D., received his doctorate from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and is a faculty member in the psychology department at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Tobias Lundgren, MS, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive behavior therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. He is affiliated with the psychology department at the University of Uppsala in Sweden.

Table of Contents

A Letter from the Series Editors	p. ix
Foreword	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
An Introduction to Values in ACT	p. 1
Philosophical Assumptions
Behavior Analysis and Values
ACT, Values, and Modern Psychotherapy
Summary
ACT and RFT	p. 13
Relational Frame Theory
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Summary
Fusion and Potential Language Traps	p. 43
Uncovering the Problem: The Effects of Fusion
Language Trap 1: Fusion with the Conceptualized Self
Language Trap 2: Fusion with Thoughts About Feelings
Language Trap 3: Fusion with the Verbal Constructions of Reasons and Rules
Language Trap 4: Fusion with Outcome
Summary
The Process of Valuing in ACT	p. 63
Step 1: Identifying Core Values
Step 2: Looking at the Function of Behavior
Step 3: Choosing Goals in Service of Values
Step 4: Evaluating Choices and Creating Patterns of Action
Summary
Compassion and the Therapeutic Relationship	p. 83
Compassion for Self: A Prerequisite
The Role of Values in the Therapeutic Relationship
The Therapeutic Process: History Meets History
Improving the Therapeutic Relationship
A Declaration of Therapist Values
When Client and Therapist Values Clash
Summary
Values-Based Case Conceptualization and Assessment	p. 105
Values and Common Presenting Problems
Establishing the Life Line: An Experiential Metaphor
Case Conceptualization Summary
Assessing Your Client's Values Using the Bull's-Eye
Therapeutic Pitfalls When Using Values Assessments
Creating the Context for Committing to a Values Path
Summary
ACT Core Processes and Values	p. 133
Defusion: Letting Go of Literality
Present Moment Awareness: Cultivating Openness to Experience
Cultivating Self-as-Context: The Self That Transcends Experiences
Acceptance and Willingness: Living a Valued Life When Psychological Pain Is Present
Summary
Developing and Maintaining Committed Action	p. 161
Flexibility: A Key Element in Valued Actions
Trying On a Value
What Maintains Values?
Stimulating Committed Action Using the Bull's-Eye Worksheet
Staying on a Valued Track in Therapy
Developing Valued Action Plans with Your Clients
Summary
The Values Compass	p. 191
The Values Compass: Creating a Course for Therapy
Using the Values Compass at the Start of Therapy
Applying the Values Compass Midtherapy
Applying the Values Compass Near the End of Therapy
Living in Accordance with Values: Some Important Issues
Summary
References	p. 223
Index	p. 231
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