15 Easy DBT Values and Priorities Group Activities

General Instructions for Therapists

As you guide clients through these Values and Priorities activities, the goal is to help them identify their core values and prioritize actions that align with those values. By reflecting on what matters most, clients can make decisions and take actions that support their well-being and long-term goals. Encouraging clients to live in accordance with their values can lead to greater emotional balance, purpose, and fulfilment.

General Instructions for Clients

Today’s activities focus on practicing the Values and Priorities skill. The goal is to identify what matters most to you—your core values—and align your actions with those values. By making decisions based on your priorities, you can live in a way that supports your emotional and mental well-being.

These exercises will guide you through different ways to identify and prioritize your values, helping you create a sense of purpose and direction in your life. After each exercise, we’ll reflect on how it felt and how you can use your values to guide future decisions.

What is the Values and Priorities Skill in DBT?

Values and Priorities is a skill in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that helps you make decisions and take actions based on what matters most to you—your core values. By identifying and prioritizing your values, you can create a sense of purpose and live in a way that supports your emotional and mental well-being. This skill encourages you to make choices that align with your long-term goals and personal beliefs, even when faced with challenges or difficult emotions. By staying connected to your values, you can navigate life with greater balance and fulfilment.

15 Values and Priorities Activities

Activity 1: Identifying Core Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients identify their core values, which serve as a foundation for decision-making and goal-setting. By reflecting on what matters most to them, clients can gain clarity about their values.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on identifying your core values. The goal is to think about what matters most to you—your beliefs, principles, and long-term goals.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about different aspects of their lives, such as relationships, work, personal growth, and community. Clients are encouraged to reflect on what they value most in these areas.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about different areas of your life, like your relationships, career, personal development, and your role in your community. Now, reflect on what matters most to you in these areas. What are the beliefs or principles that guide your decisions and actions? Practice identifying your core values—the things that are most important to you and that you want to prioritize in your life.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on their core values. The therapist encourages them to be specific about what they value and why.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after identifying their core values. Did gaining clarity about their values help them feel more connected to their sense of purpose?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to identify your core values? Did this practice help you gain more clarity about what’s important to you?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how identifying your core values can help you make decisions that align with your long-term goals. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you feel more grounded and purposeful in your daily life?”

Activity 2: Prioritizing Your Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice prioritizing their values, allowing them to determine which values take precedence in different areas of life. By prioritizing their values, clients can make decisions that align with what matters most.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on prioritizing your values. The goal is to decide which values are most important in different areas of your life, such as relationships, work, and personal growth.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to review the core values they identified in the previous activity. Clients are encouraged to consider how these values apply to different areas of their life and which ones they want to prioritize.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Look at the core values you’ve identified. Now, think about which of these values are most important in different areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, or personal growth. For example, in your career, you might prioritize values like integrity or achievement, while in your relationships, you might prioritize kindness or trust. Practice deciding which values take precedence in different situations.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes prioritizing their values in different areas of life. The therapist encourages them to reflect on how these values influence their decisions and actions.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after prioritizing their values. Did clarifying their priorities help them feel more focused and aligned with their goals?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to prioritize your values? Did this practice help you feel more clear about what matters most in different areas of your life?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how prioritizing your values can help you make decisions that reflect what’s important to you. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay focused on your values, even when faced with difficult decisions?”

Activity 3: Aligning Actions with Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice aligning their actions with their values. By making choices that reflect their values, clients can feel more authentic and fulfilled.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on aligning your actions with your values. The goal is to make sure the choices you’re making reflect what’s most important to you.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a recent decision they made and to reflect on whether that decision aligned with their values. Clients are encouraged to consider how they could make future decisions that reflect their values more closely.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a decision you made recently. Did it reflect your core values? Now, practice thinking about how you can align your future actions with your values. For example, if one of your core values is honesty, how can you ensure that your decisions and actions are guided by that value? Practice making choices that reflect what matters most to you.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on how they can align their actions with their values. The therapist encourages them to focus on specific situations where they can act in ways that reflect their priorities.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after thinking about aligning their actions with their values. Did this practice help them feel more authentic and grounded?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to think about aligning your actions with your values? Did this practice help you feel more connected to your sense of purpose?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how aligning your actions with your values can help you feel more fulfilled and in control of your life. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay true to yourself, even in challenging situations?”

Activity 4: Setting Goals Based on Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients set long-term and short-term goals based on their values. By setting goals that reflect their priorities, clients can work toward a future that aligns with their core beliefs.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on setting goals based on your values. The goal is to create short-term and long-term goals that reflect what matters most to you.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about their values and to reflect on how those values can guide their goals for the future. Clients are encouraged to set realistic goals that align with their values.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about your values and how they can guide your future goals. What short-term goals can you set that reflect your values, such as practicing self-care or strengthening relationships? What long-term goals align with your core beliefs, like pursuing a meaningful career or giving back to your community? Practice setting both short-term and long-term goals that reflect your values and priorities.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes setting short-term and long-term goals based on their values. The therapist encourages them to choose goals that are realistic and meaningful.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after setting goals based on their values. Did creating value-based goals help them feel more motivated and focused?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to set goals based on your values? Did this practice help you feel more aligned with your long-term vision?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how setting value-based goals can help you create a life that reflects what’s most important to you. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay focused on your priorities while working toward your goals?”

Activity 5: Using Values to Make Difficult Decisions

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients use their values as a guide when making difficult decisions. By focusing on their core values, clients can navigate challenging situations with greater clarity and confidence.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on using your values to make difficult decisions. The goal is to let your core beliefs guide your choices, even when the situation is challenging.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a difficult decision they recently faced or might face in the future. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how their values could help them make a clear choice in the situation.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a difficult decision you’ve faced or might face in the future. How could your core values help you navigate this situation? Practice using your values as a guide to make a choice that feels right for you, even if the decision is challenging. For example, if you value honesty, how can you ensure that your choice reflects that value? Practice using your beliefs and priorities to guide difficult decisions.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on how their values can guide them through a difficult decision. The therapist encourages them to focus on a specific situation and how they can make a value-based choice.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after using their values to guide a decision. Did focusing on their values help them feel more confident about their choice?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to use your values to make a difficult decision? Did this practice help you feel more sure of your choice?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how using your values can help you make difficult decisions with greater clarity and confidence. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you navigate challenging situations in the future?”

Activity 6: Checking In with Your Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice regularly checking in with their values to ensure they are staying aligned with what matters most. By reflecting on their values over time, clients can make adjustments to their actions and decisions as needed.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on checking in with your values regularly. The goal is to reflect on your values and ensure that your actions are still aligned with what matters most to you.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about their core values and reflect on whether they have been living in alignment with those values recently. Clients are encouraged to consider if any adjustments are needed.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about your core values and reflect on whether your recent actions and decisions have aligned with those values. Are there any areas where you’ve drifted away from what matters most to you? Practice checking in with your values regularly to ensure you’re staying on track. If you notice that you’re not living in alignment with your values, what small adjustments can you make to bring yourself back in line?”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on whether their actions are aligned with their values. The therapist encourages them to think about any adjustments they can make if needed.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after checking in with their values. Did reflecting on their values help them feel more connected to their long-term goals and sense of purpose?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to check in with your values? Did this practice help you feel more focused and aligned with what’s important?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how regularly checking in with your values can help you stay aligned with your long-term goals. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you make adjustments to your actions and decisions over time?”

Activity 7: Identifying Conflicting Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice identifying conflicting values and finding ways to balance them. By acknowledging conflicting priorities, clients can make more informed and balanced decisions.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on identifying any conflicting values. The goal is to recognize when two or more of your values are in conflict and find a way to balance them.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about situations where they might have experienced conflicting values. For example, clients might feel torn between the value of career success and the value of family time.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when two or more of your values were in conflict. For example, you might value your career, but also value spending time with family. How did you navigate this situation? Practice identifying any conflicting values you might have, and reflect on how you can balance them in the future. Sometimes, making a decision means choosing which value takes priority in that moment, and that’s okay.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes identifying situations where their values conflicted and reflecting on how they managed the conflict. The therapist encourages them to consider ways to balance conflicting priorities in the future.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after identifying conflicting values. Did recognizing conflicting values help them feel more prepared to make balanced decisions?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to identify conflicting values? Did this practice help you think about how to balance your priorities when they are in conflict?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how identifying and balancing conflicting values can help you make more informed decisions. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you navigate situations where your values seem to be pulling you in different directions?”

Activity 8: Living in Accordance with Your Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients reflect on what it means to live in accordance with their values. By aligning their daily choices with their core beliefs, clients can create a sense of fulfillment and authenticity.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on what it means to live in accordance with your values. The goal is to reflect on how your daily choices can align with your core beliefs.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about their values and reflect on how they can live in a way that reflects those values in their day-to-day life. Clients are encouraged to think about small, daily choices that align with their values.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about what it means to live in accordance with your values. How can you make small, daily choices that reflect what matters most to you? For example, if one of your values is kindness, how can you show kindness to yourself and others in your daily life? Practice reflecting on how you can make choices that align with your values, and notice how this impacts your sense of fulfillment and authenticity.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on how they can live in accordance with their values in daily life. The therapist encourages them to think about specific actions they can take to live in alignment with their beliefs.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after thinking about living in accordance with their values. Did focusing on small, daily choices help them feel more connected to their values?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to reflect on living in accordance with your values? Did this practice help you feel more authentic and fulfilled?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how living in accordance with your values can help you feel more grounded and connected to your sense of purpose. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you feel more aligned with your beliefs in everyday life?”

Activity 9: Recognizing When You’ve Strayed from Your Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients recognize when they’ve strayed from their values and reflect on how to get back on track. By acknowledging when their actions don’t align with their values, clients can make adjustments to realign with what matters most.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on recognizing when you’ve strayed from your values. The goal is to reflect on how you can get back on track and realign your actions with your core beliefs.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when their actions didn’t align with their values. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can adjust their behavior to better reflect their priorities.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when your actions didn’t align with your values. For example, you might value honesty but found yourself telling a small lie. How did this situation make you feel, and how can you get back on track? Practice reflecting on how to realign your actions with your values when you’ve strayed, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you’re committed to living according to your values in the future.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on a time when their actions didn’t align with their values and how they can adjust their behavior moving forward. The therapist encourages them to focus on realigning with their values without judgment.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after recognizing when they’ve strayed from their values. Did reflecting on this situation help them feel more committed to living according to their values?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to reflect on a time when you strayed from your values? Did this practice help you feel more motivated to realign with what matters most?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how recognizing when you’ve strayed from your values can help you make adjustments to realign with your priorities. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay connected to your values, even when you make mistakes?”

Activity 10: Practicing Self-Compassion When Your Actions Don’t Align with Your Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice self-compassion when they make choices that don’t align with their values. By treating themselves with kindness and understanding, clients can stay committed to their values without being overly self-critical.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on practicing self-compassion when your actions don’t align with your values. The goal is to treat yourself with kindness and understanding, even when you make mistakes.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about a time when they made a choice that didn’t align with their values and how they responded to that situation. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can practice self-compassion in those moments.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when your actions didn’t align with your values. How did you respond to yourself in that situation? Now, practice treating yourself with kindness and understanding, rather than being overly self-critical. We all make mistakes, and the important thing is to learn from them and move forward with a commitment to living according to your values. Practice self-compassion when your actions don’t align with your values, and notice how this helps you stay committed without harsh self-judgment.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on how they can practice self-compassion when their actions don’t align with their values. The therapist encourages them to focus on kindness and understanding in moments of misalignment.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing self-compassion. Did treating themselves with kindness help them feel more motivated to stay aligned with their values?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice self-compassion when your actions didn’t align with your values? Did this practice help you feel more motivated to move forward without harsh self-judgment?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how practicing self-compassion can help you stay committed to your values without being overly self-critical. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay kind to yourself when you make mistakes and continue to live according to your values?”

Activity 11: Exploring the Impact of Living According to Your Values

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients reflect on the positive impact of living in alignment with their values. By recognizing how their values shape their decisions and well-being, clients can stay motivated to prioritize what matters most.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on exploring the positive impact of living according to your values. The goal is to reflect on how making decisions based on your core beliefs affects your life and well-being.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about times when they made decisions that aligned with their values and how those decisions impacted their emotional and mental well-being.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a time when you made a decision that was fully aligned with your values. How did this decision impact your well-being? Did it help you feel more authentic, confident, or fulfilled? Practice reflecting on the positive impact of living according to your values and how this has shaped your life.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on the positive effects of making decisions based on their values. The therapist encourages them to focus on how living in alignment with their values has improved their emotional or mental health.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after exploring the impact of living according to their values. Did recognizing these positive effects help them feel more motivated to continue prioritizing their values?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to reflect on the impact of living according to your values? Did this practice help you feel more motivated to continue aligning your actions with your beliefs?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how living according to your values can positively impact your well-being. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay focused on your values when making decisions in the future?”

Activity 12: Evaluating Current Priorities

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients evaluate their current priorities and determine if they are aligned with their core values. By reassessing their priorities, clients can make adjustments to ensure they stay true to what matters most.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on evaluating your current priorities. The goal is to assess whether your current priorities are aligned with your values, and if necessary, make adjustments.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about their current priorities in life—what they are focusing on day-to-day. Clients are encouraged to reflect on whether these priorities align with their core values.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about your current priorities. What are you focusing on right now? Are your priorities aligned with your core values, or have you been focusing on things that don’t reflect what matters most to you? Practice evaluating your current priorities, and if needed, make adjustments to bring your focus back to your values.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes evaluating their current priorities and reflecting on whether they are aligned with their values. The therapist encourages them to consider adjustments they can make to realign their focus.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after evaluating their current priorities. Did reassessing their priorities help them feel more in control of their direction and focus?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to evaluate your current priorities? Did this practice help you feel more clear about whether your focus is aligned with your values?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how evaluating your priorities can help you stay aligned with your values and goals. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you adjust your focus when you notice your priorities have drifted away from your values?”

Activity 13: Communicating Your Values to Others

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice communicating their values to others in a clear and assertive way. By sharing their values, clients can create stronger relationships and build understanding.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on communicating your values to others. The goal is to practice sharing your beliefs and priorities in a clear and assertive way.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about situations where they might need to communicate their values to others, such as in relationships or at work. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how they can express their values clearly and respectfully.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about a situation where you might need to communicate your values to someone else. How can you express your values clearly and assertively? Practice explaining what’s important to you in a way that is respectful and confident. For example, if honesty is a core value, how can you communicate that in a situation where someone asks you to do something that conflicts with that value? Practice sharing your beliefs and priorities with others.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes practicing how they would communicate their values in a specific situation. The therapist encourages them to focus on being clear, assertive, and respectful.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after practicing communicating their values. Did expressing their beliefs in a clear way help them feel more confident and understood?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to practice communicating your values? Did this practice help you feel more prepared to express what matters most to you?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how communicating your values can help you build stronger relationships and create more understanding. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you express your values clearly in situations where it matters?”

Activity 14: Letting Go of External Expectations

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients practice letting go of external expectations that don’t align with their values. By focusing on their own beliefs and priorities, clients can make decisions that feel true to themselves.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on letting go of external expectations. The goal is to release pressure to live up to others’ expectations and focus on your own values and priorities.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to think about external expectations they may be facing, such as societal pressures, family expectations, or peer influence. Clients are encouraged to reflect on how these expectations might conflict with their core values.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about any external expectations you might be facing. For example, are there societal pressures, family expectations, or peer influences that don’t align with your values? Now, practice letting go of these external expectations and focusing on what matters most to you. Practice making decisions based on your own values and priorities, rather than trying to live up to others’ expectations.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on how they can let go of external expectations and focus on their values. The therapist encourages them to release any pressure to conform to others’ beliefs.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after letting go of external expectations. Did focusing on their own values help them feel more authentic and confident?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to let go of external expectations? Did this practice help you feel more free to focus on your own values?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how letting go of external expectations can help you live more authentically. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you feel more confident in making decisions based on your own values?”

Activity 15: Creating a Values-Based Action Plan

Intro to activity:
This activity helps clients create a values-based action plan for how they will live according to their values moving forward. By creating a plan, clients can stay focused on their priorities and make intentional choices.

How to practice this activity:

Prompt:
“We’re going to focus on creating a values-based action plan. The goal is to outline how you will live according to your values moving forward.”

Preparation:
The therapist asks clients to reflect on their core values and think about how they can make intentional choices that reflect those values in their daily life.

Guidance:
Therapist says: “Think about your core values and how you can live according to those values moving forward. Now, create an action plan that outlines specific steps you will take to align your daily choices with your values. For example, if one of your values is self-care, how can you make time for activities that support your well-being? Practice creating a values-based action plan to help you stay focused on your priorities and make intentional choices.”

Experience:
Clients spend 5-10 minutes creating a values-based action plan. The therapist encourages them to focus on realistic, specific steps they can take to align their actions with their values.

Observation:
Clients reflect on how they felt after creating a values-based action plan. Did outlining specific steps help them feel more in control and focused on their priorities?

Discussion:
After the activity, the therapist asks: “What did it feel like to create a values-based action plan? Did this practice help you feel more confident about living according to your values?”

Reflection:
Reflect on how creating a values-based action plan can help you stay focused on what matters most. In a group, the therapist might ask: “How could practicing this skill help you stay intentional about aligning your actions with your values over time?”