What is acceptance and commitment therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping people become more psychologically flexible. The primary goal of ACT is to increase one's ability to be present, open up to complex thoughts and feelings, and take action toward living a values-driven life (Hayes et al., 2006).

ACT is built on the premise that attempts to control or eliminate distressing internal experiences (e.g., thoughts, emotions, physical sensations) can paradoxically lead to increased suffering and maladaptive behavior. Instead, ACT encourages individuals to be more accepting, open, and compassionate toward their internal experiences. This allows them to engage in valued actions, even tricky thoughts and feelings.

Printable ACT Bullseye Worksheet

Download this ACT Bullseye Worksheet to facilitate acceptance and commitment therapy interventions, promoting psychological flexibility and improved patient outcomes for healthcare professionals.

What is the ACT Bullseye Worksheet?

The ACT Bullseye Worksheet is used in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help individuals identify and clarify their values. This worksheet is designed to visually represent an individual's values, allowing them to see how their behaviors and actions align with what is most important to them.

This worksheet allows practitioners to help clients identify in which areas they are on track and in which areas they may be veering away from their stated values. It encourages self-reflection, highlighting where their actions are consistent with their deeply held values and where they might be acting in opposition to those values. This can uncover new opportunities for therapeutic interventions and action planning.

Understanding the ACT Bullseye Worksheet

The ACT Bullseye Worksheet is a straightforward tool, but unpacking its components can enhance its effectiveness in your practice. Here's a closer look at what's typically included:

Life domains

The worksheet is often divided into four core life domains: work/education, relationships, personal growth/health, and leisure. Together, these aspects promote and support an individual's holistic well-being.

Identifying core values

The worksheet allows individuals to brainstorm their core values within each life domain. These fundamental principles guide their decisions and shape what truly matters to them in each area. For example, someone might value "creativity" in their Work/Education domain, "honesty" in Relationships, and "adventure" in Leisure.

Self-assessment through bullseye rings

The worksheet often resembles a dartboard, with each life domain occupying a "section." Concentric circles radiate from the center (bullseye) outward. Individuals rate their current actions in each domain by placing a mark on one of these circles.

  • Closer to the bullseye: A mark closer to the center indicates a strong alignment between their current actions and their core values in that domain.
  • Further from the bullseye: A mark further away suggests a disconnect between their actions and values. The greater the distance, the larger the potential for misalignment.

Additional prompts

Some bullseye worksheets might include additional prompts to encourage deeper reflection. These prompts could ask individuals to:

  • Briefly describe what living according to their values in each domain would look like.
  • Identify any obstacles hindering them from living their values.
  • Brainstorm specific action steps they could take to move their actions closer to their values.

How does our ACT bullseye worksheet work?

Our ACT Bullseye Worksheet aims to guide clients toward a more fulfilling life aligned with their values. Here's a step-by-step approach to get the most out of it:

Step 1: Introducing the worksheet

Briefly explain the worksheet's purpose – to explore core values and assess how current actions align with those values. Acknowledge that this can be a revealing exercise and assure clients there are no right or wrong answers.

Step 2: Guiding the client

Explain the different life domains and the bullseye target concept. Then, guide clients through brainstorming their core values within each domain. Encourage them to be specific and avoid using generic terms like "happiness." Ask clients to mark the bullseye circles for each domain, reflecting how well their current actions align with their values.

Step 3: Discussing the finished worksheet

Start by acknowledging their identified values. Then, discuss the distance of their marks from the bullseye in each domain. For domains with marks further from the bullseye, explore what might hinder them from living their values. Discuss areas where their actions align well with their values and where there might be a gap to bridge.

Step 4: Incorporating insights into next steps

Based on the discussed discrepancies, help clients brainstorm specific steps to move their actions closer to their values. This can also help practitioners craft a personalized ACT treatment plan. Encourage them to prioritize a few achievable goals and develop a plan to implement them. Finally, discuss potential obstacles and brainstorm strategies for overcoming them.

ACT Bullseye Worksheet example (sample)

Our ACT Bullseye Worksheet is based on Lundgren et al.'s (2012) work on the bull's eye values survey. This aims to help individuals identify their values and set goals aligned with those values. We have only optimized its format for printed and digital use as a tool for practitioners.

If this is helpful for your practice, check out a sample filled-out version of this template to serve as a guide, or download it as a PDF for easier access. Click on the link below!

Download this free ACT Bullseye Worksheet PDF example here:

ACT Bullseye Worksheet example (sample)

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References

Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: model, processed,s and outcomes. Behaviour research and therapy, 44(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006

Lundgren, T., Luoma, J. B., Dahl, J., Strosahl, K., & Melin, L. (2012). The bull's-eye values survey: A psychometric evaluation. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(4), 518–526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2012.01.004

What is the role of the healthcare practitioner in using the Bullseye Worksheet?
What is the role of the healthcare practitioner in using the Bullseye Worksheet?

Commonly asked questions

What is the role of the healthcare practitioner in using the Bullseye Worksheet?

Practitioners can guide clients through the worksheet, facilitate discussions, and help them develop strategies to live more by their values.

Can the Bullseye Worksheet be used with other therapeutic approaches?

Yes, the Bullseye Worksheet can be a valuable tool in various therapy modalities, focusing on values, goal-setting, and behavioral change.

Are there any potential challenges in using the Bullseye Worksheet?

Clients may struggle to identify or prioritize their values accurately, or they may resist making changes in their behaviors.

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