Values Assessment

When to Use

Use when the client's depression has led to disconnection from what matters to them, or when behavioural activation needs grounding in personally meaningful goals rather than generic activity scheduling. Also valuable when the client reports feeling empty, directionless, or questions the point of engaging in treatment.

How to Introduce

Frame as reconnecting with what matters: 'Depression has a way of disconnecting us from the things we care about most. I'd like us to spend some time exploring what really matters to you, your values, so we can make sure the changes we work on in therapy are moving you toward a life that feels meaningful.'

Adaptations

For clients who struggle to identify values due to prolonged depression, use prompts such as 'What did you care about before you became depressed?' or 'What would you want your life to stand for?' For those who confuse values with goals, clarify that values are directions, not destinations.

Use with caution if the client's current life circumstances make their valued directions feel impossible, as this could increase hopelessness. Avoid if the client is in acute crisis where stabilisation is the priority. Not a substitute for addressing active suicidal ideation.

Clinical Tips

Values work bridges behavioural activation and acceptance-based approaches. Discrepancies between current activity and stated values provide powerful motivation for change. Revisit the values assessment periodically to check whether therapy targets remain aligned with what matters most to the client.