An enduring belief that a specific mode of conduct or end-state of existence is personally or socially preferable to an opposite or converse mode of conduct or end-state of existence.

Reflects more than opinions or preferences, but move us to take actions that demonstrate our commitment to them.

Values

1. Mandatory Actions
2. Discretionary Actions

1. Obligations  (i.e., things we must do)
2. Prohibitions (i.e, things we must not do)

Discretionary Actions

Our values take form in our experiences in a context, then they become the context for our lives, shaping our perceptions and becoming a template and reference point for decisions, behaviors, asperations, expectations, and motivations.

Yet, our values are unique, shaping our individuality. 2 processes provide a framework for value structures of both therapists and the clients they serve:

1. Acculturation
2. Identity Development

The configuration of learned behavior and the result of behavior whose components and elements are shared and transmitted by the members of a particular society.

Institutions, communications, values, religions, sexual orientations, disabilities, thinking, artistic expressions, and social and interpersonal relationships.

Culture

Process of Acculturation

Individual Process

Subculture

Intraculture

Understanding the acculturation process is critical in understanding how our values evolve to influence our decisions when faced with ethical, legal, and professional dilemmas.

6 common dimensions of cultural difference that affect the acculturation process:

1. Gender
2. Ethnic/Racial Heritage
3. Social Class or SES
4. Sexual Orientation
5. Disability
6. Religious/Spiritual Traditions

Represents a more composite picture of one's association with a reference group distinguished on the basis of a variety of cultural factors; reflects individual experiences as a member of a reference group, some of which may conform/diverge from the majority perspective of that group.

• Self in relation to others
• overriding cognitive frame of reference influencing most of individuals perceptions/values

Worldview

Value-Sensitive Care

Means for therapists to clarify their worldview and duties; assumes that

• thoughtfully reflecting on one's beliefs is better than not doing so 
• considering alternatives and their consequences is better than not considering them
• acting consistently with one's most cherished beliefs is critical

Values Clarification

a) respect for differences

b) hope for and commitment to the process of change

c) qualitatively unique therapy relationship for clients

d) appreciation for professional peers and their values

e) devotion to continued development in knowledge/skills

1. Etic Perspective
2. Emic Perspective

Etic Perspective

Emic Perspective

1. Comtemporary Complexity

• Increased amount/quality of info available through media, etc.
• Change and multiple demands (economic/government)

2. Valuing Values (vs. values or valuing)
3. Valuing Uniqueness (promotes respect/prizing of differences)
4. Valuing Reality (balancing uniqueness with reality)

1. Grounding in Professionalism
2. Establishing Limits of Responsibility
3. Derivatives of Duty
4. Clarifying Expectations for Therapy

1.  Practicing w/out Objective Knowledge

2. Taking Personal Responsibility

3. Taking Professional Responsibility for Pathologizing

4. Accepting what is

1. Client Motives for Therapy
2. Client Resistance to Therapy
3. Risk and Adaptation (to change) through Therapy
4. Addressing Inequalities (valuing voices and worldviews) in Therapy

1. Valuing Values
2. Respect for Client Differences
3. Personal Responsibiligy of Clients
4. Client Self-Awareness and Insight
5. New Client Skills
6. Courage for Honest Evaluations of (Un)Successful Goal Outcomes