Values and meaningful action / VAL-A04-1
Inherited and Chosen Directions — Concept brief
Understand the idea behind inherited and chosen directions and consider whether it fits your context.
8 minutes · Handout · Adults; supported use as appropriate
Fictional example: Avery values family connection but questions an expectation of constant availability.
Use an ordinary or fictional example, with a clinician when appropriate. A person can respect influences while examining which directions they freely endorse.
The idea
A person can respect influences while examining which directions they freely endorse.
An ordinary example
Avery values family connection but questions an expectation of constant availability.
What this can look like
Separate messages received from family or culture from qualities you currently choose, allowing overlap and uncertainty.
Check the fit
What do you want to carry forward, adapt, or decline? You may disagree with the framing, use fiction, or decide that this approach is not useful today.
A useful distinction
A value can guide ongoing action even when a goal is delayed or a barrier requires external support.
Prompts for this resource
- What part of this idea makes sense to me?
- What do you want to carry forward, adapt, or decline?
Conceptual background
Valuing as a Choice — Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Background on the approach only. Original exercises and wording are by More Than Therapy with AI assistance; the source does not validate or endorse these materials.