The Choice Point worksheet created from a similar exercise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This handout provides a visual metaphor to help clients understand that they have a choice in how they respond to difficult thoughts and feelings. It encourages them to identify their “hooks” (the thoughts and feelings that might lead to unhelpful behaviors) and consciously choose a path that moves them “toward” their values.
Using the Choice Point in Your Practice
- The Situation: This part of the worksheet prompts clients to identify a specific situation they are struggling with and how it relates to their values. This helps ground the conversation in their personal experience and goals.
- Hooks: The “Hooked” and “Un-Hooked” sections encourage clients to practice mindfulness and defusion. By identifying the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that “hook” them, clients can learn to observe these experiences without being controlled by them.
- Toward and Away: These boxes represent two different behavioral options. The “Toward” path guides clients to identify actions that align with their values , while the “Away” path helps them recognize unhelpful behaviors that move them away from what is important to them.
By using this worksheet, clinicians can help clients see that they are not a prisoner to their thoughts and feelings. Instead, they can become more aware of their internal experiences and make intentional choices that lead them toward a more meaningful life. This simple yet powerful visual provides a clear framework for guiding clients toward a more values-driven life.