ACT Life Compass Worksheet PDF

This ACT Life Compass Worksheet guides clients through a structured values clarification process across multiple life domains. Clients begin by reflecting on what kind of person they want to be in each area of life and what qualities or behaviors would reflect those values. They then rate the importance of each domain and evaluate how consistently they are currently living in alignment with those values.

By comparing importance with current alignment, clients become more aware of areas where values-consistent action may be limited by avoidance, disengagement, or competing priorities. This discrepancy is a key clinical signal in ACT, helping to identify opportunities for behavioral change guided by values rather than short-term emotional avoidance.

Over time, repeated use of this process supports stronger psychological flexibility by helping clients translate abstract values into concrete life domains and observable patterns of action. This increases intentionality, supports behavior change, and strengthens alignment between values and daily living.

What’s Included

A high-quality, printable PDF (US Letter size 8.5″ x 11″)

How This Worksheet Can Be Used

• During therapy sessions: Used as a structured values clarification exercise across multiple life domains.
• Between sessions: Assigned to increase awareness of values-behavior alignment in daily life.
• Independent use: Clients reflect on life domains and identify gaps between values and current behavior.

Benefits of ACT Life Compass Worksheet

• Clarifies Life Values Across Domains: Helps clients identify what matters in multiple areas of life.
• Increases Psychological Flexibility: Supports behavior aligned with values despite internal barriers.
• Identifies Values-Behavior Gaps: Highlights discrepancies between importance and current action.
• Reduces Experiential Avoidance: Encourages engagement with avoided or neglected life areas.
• Improves Behavioral Awareness: Builds insight into patterns of disengagement or imbalance.
• Supports Meaningful Life Direction: Promotes intentional, values-guided living across domains.

How to Integrate This Worksheet in Therapy

1. Introduce Values as Life Directions: Explain values as ongoing patterns of action across life areas.
2. Explore Life Domains: Guide clients through reflection on each domain individually.
3. Assess Alignment: Compare importance ratings with current behavioral consistency.
4. Identify Barriers: Explore internal and external factors limiting values-consistent action.
5. Translate Insight into Action: Support small, realistic steps toward improved alignment.

References

• Steven C. Hayes, Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Steven C. Hayes, Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). ACT model of psychological flexibility and values-based action. Guilford Press.
• Steven C. Hayes et al. (2006). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25.