Values Clarification

Today we had a lecture on values clarification. Sounds interesting? Well, it was! I have never taken the time to think about what my values are in life even though our values are the crux of who we are.

The lecturer began by asking us to plot on a scale our feelings about homosexuality and abortion. Two topics surrounded by controversy and guaranteed to spark debate. Before even entering into the debate people where nervously placing their dots on the scale for fear of being judged. The debate continued for ages with compelling arguments for and against each issue. The discussion got heated as people could not understand why others did not think the way they did. Of course, this is the fundamental issue. Our values determine what we believe in and personal values are so deeply rooted and ingrained that they will not or very seldom change.

What I learnt is that it is important to know your own individual values because they provide a strong sense of self and; as one our class members so beautifully put it: “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. However, having said this, we need to accept that human beings are all unique and, consequently, so are their values. This is a valuable lesson to take with us into treatment which brings me back to the growth games publication - like I mentioned it is so important to leave your values “at the door” when treating a client because, in order for treatment to be successful we, as Occupational therapists, have to be completely accepting of our patients and not impose our values on them. It is not up to us to change other people’s values in fact the world would be a much happier place if we could all agree to disagree!

Another, less controversial way of addressing values clarification with your client is to do an exercise where you list actual and ideal values; find the gaps between them; and decide on a plan of action to accomplish your desired values.  This is a lot harder said than done. One has to be very attuned to and honest with yourself but if this is possible it can be a very successful exercise.

Values clarification is not an issue that should be overlooked in treatment. It is essential to a holistic and successful treatment plan. Not only is it valuable for the client to clarify their values but it is essential for the therapist to know her values so that they do not get in the way of a successful treatment.