ACT Values Worksheet for Exploring Social Connections

This ACT Values Worksheet guides clients through a structured exploration of their interpersonal values and how those values show up in daily life. Clients begin by identifying what matters most in their relationships and the kind of relational presence they want to embody. They then assess the alignment between these values and their current behaviors, identifying patterns of avoidance, disconnection, or reactivity. The process also highlights internal barriers such as fear of rejection, anxiety, or past relational experiences that may interfere with values-consistent action.

By increasing awareness of these patterns, clients are supported in shifting from automatic or avoidance-based responses toward more flexible, values-driven behavior. Over time, this strengthens psychological flexibility—the central mechanism of ACT—and helps clients engage more fully in relationships even in the presence of discomfort or uncertainty.

Consistent use of this worksheet supports clients in translating abstract values into concrete, actionable steps in their social lives. Rather than waiting for confidence or emotional readiness, clients learn to take meaningful relational action guided by values. This process enhances connection, reduces experiential avoidance, and supports more authentic and sustainable interpersonal engagement.

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 guided clinical exercise to help clients clarify values and explore relational patterns.
• Between sessions: Assigned as structured reflection work to increase awareness of social behaviors and values alignment.
• Independent use: Clients can use the worksheet to clarify relational priorities and take intentional steps toward more meaningful social connection.

Benefits of ACT Values Work

• Clarifies Interpersonal Values: Helps clients define what matters most in relationships.
• Increases Psychological Flexibility: Supports behavior aligned with values even in the presence of discomfort.
• Reduces Experiential Avoidance: Encourages engagement rather than withdrawal from social experiences.
• Improves Relationship Quality: Supports more intentional, authentic, and present interpersonal interactions.
• Builds Self-Awareness: Highlights discrepancies between values and current behavior patterns.
• Supports Meaningful Action: Translates abstract values into concrete relational behaviors.

How to Integrate This Worksheet in Therapy

1. Introduce Values Framework: Explain the role of values in ACT and how they guide ongoing behavior.
2. Explore Social Domains: Help clients identify values across friendships, family, romantic relationships, and community.
3. Identify Barriers: Explore internal experiences (thoughts, emotions, memories) that interfere with connection.
4. Translate Values into Action: Support clients in identifying small, realistic, values-consistent relational behaviors.
5. Reinforce Ongoing Use: Encourage repeated reflection to strengthen alignment over time.

By incorporating the ACT Values Worksheet into therapy, clinicians provide clients with a structured, evidence-based tool to clarify relational values and translate them into meaningful interpersonal action. This process supports psychological flexibility, reduces experiential avoidance, and fosters more authentic, connected, and values-consistent relationships.

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, Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1–25.
• Russ Harris (2009). ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications.