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Values and Values Work in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

J. Vyskocilova
Affiliation:
Charles University Prague, Faculty of Humanities, Prague, Czech Republic
J. Prasko*
Affiliation:
University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Palacky Olomouc, Department of Psychiatry, Olomouc, Czech Republic
M. Ociskova
Affiliation:
University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Palacky Olomouc, Department of Psychiatry, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Z. Sedlackova
Affiliation:
Faculty of Arts, Palacky University Olomouc, Department of Psychology, Olomouc, Czech Republic
M. Marackova
Affiliation:
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University Palacky Olomouc, Department of Psychiatry, Olomouc, Czech Republic
M. Holubova
Affiliation:
Hospital Liberec, University Palacky Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Psychiatry, Liberec, Czech Republic
R. Hruby
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Outpatient Department, Martin, Psychiatric Outpatient De, Martin, Slovakia
M. Slepecky
Affiliation:
Faculty of Social Science and Health Care, Constantine the Philosopher University, Department of Psychology Sciences, Nitra, Slovakia
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Background

Values influence our thought patterns, emotions, wishes, and needs. Although individuals may be fully aware of their value systems, these often lie more or less outside the area of full consciousness. At least occasional awareness of one's priorities and set of values may be an effective means of self-regulation.

Method

Literature review and description of cases.

Results

Cognitive behavioral therapy is aimed at dealing with practical problems and goals in life through changes in cognitive processes, behavior, and emotional reactions. Changes to some values naturally accompany changes to these processes. Life values also underlie motivation to achieve therapeutic changes. For this reason, clarification of patients’ life values is important to therapists as focusing on values aids in connecting therapeutic goals with important areas of life. In addition to a better understanding of patients’ life stories and difficulties that have brought them to a psychotherapist, the identified value system may become a part of everyday CBT strategies such as time management, cognitive restructuring or accommodation of conditional assumptions.

Conclusion

Identification and assessment of life values and their use in the course of therapy is a process that increases patients’ motivation to face unpleasant emotions and make careful steps in CBT in order to achieve therapeutic goals. Knowing the patient's life values may help the therapist set therapeutic goals that are associated with significant areas of the patient's life. Together with other CBT techniques, this value-oriented approach increases the effectiveness of therapy and durability of its outcomes after its completion.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
EV675
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2016
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