Session 3: Increasing Motivation for Treatment Through Values

This chapter details the third session of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Enhanced Behavior Therapy for Trichotillomania (AEBT-T) treatment package. The therapist explains how clients often value things, such as being a good caregiver, spouse, or friend; being a great employee; being there for others; or being a good listener. However, the immediate rewards produced by pulling often outweigh the delayed rewards that come from behaving in a way that is more consistent with the aspects of life the client most values. The therapist helps the client see why time is spent talking about defining and following values, noting how this differs from following emotions. Thinking about values as things people do, rather than things people think and feel, can help the client conceptualize their own values.