Therapy Resource
Therapy Resource
Clinical resources · est. 2025

Keep your drafts in this browser?

This browser holds client documents you started here, with their undo history, and any client scores you saved. On your own computer, keep them: they'll be here when you sign back in. On a shared computer, delete them. Undo history for worksheets and tools is cleared at sign-out either way, and anything saved to your account stays there.

Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People

Reflective questions to help children and adolescents discover what matters most to them

ACTInfo SheetFree ResourceLast reviewed April 2026

Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People

Reflective questions to help children and adolescents discover what matters most to them

Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People

Reflective questions to help children and adolescents discover what matters most to them

Personal values are an internal compass that guides choices, shapes identity, and influences well-being. Children and teens are still forming their values, which makes late childhood and adolescence a good time for guided exploration. These discussion questions are designed to help young people identify, examine, and articulate their emerging values. They can be used in individual therapy, family sessions, or group settings. This set is written for children and adolescents; for grown clients, use the adult version.

How Values Grow and Change

The things we care about often shift as we move through different chapters of life. What felt most important to you a few years ago may be different from what matters to you now. Think about a time when something you valued changed. What happened that made it change? How do you feel about that shift today?Example: A teenager might share that popularity used to feel like the most important thing, but after a difficult experience they now value having a few close, trustworthy friends.

Where Your Values Come From

Our values are shaped by the people around us, including family, friends, teachers, and the broader culture. Some of our values closely mirror what we were taught, while others develop through our own experiences and independent thinking. How are your values similar to or different from those of your family or friend group? Are there any values you hold that feel uniquely your own?Example: A young person might realize they share their family's value of education but have developed their own strong belief in environmental responsibility that no one else at home talks about.

People You Admire

The people we look up to say a lot about what we value. Pick someone you respect, whether you know them, have only read about them, or met them in a book or movie. What is it about them that you admire, and what does that tell you about what matters to you?Example: Admiring a coach who always treats players fairly, even under pressure, might reveal that you value fairness and composure.

What Bothers You and Why

Strong reactions to other people's behavior can be a window into what we value most. When you see someone behaving in a way that really bothers you, it often means they are acting against something you care about deeply. Think of a behavior that frustrates you in others. What value of yours does that behavior conflict with? How would you handle the same situation differently?Example: If it really bothers you when someone makes fun of a classmate, that strong reaction likely signals that you value kindness and respect.

Values That Are Still Forming

Sometimes a specific experience, whether positive or difficult, introduces a new value into our lives or makes an existing one stronger. Can you think of a recent experience that changed what matters to you? Maybe a friendship taught you about loyalty, or a challenge taught you about perseverance. What did you learn about yourself?Example: A young person might share that training for a difficult sports season taught them the value of persistence, something they had not thought much about before.

Living Your Values

Knowing your values is one thing; living them consistently is another. Most people experience moments when their actions do not fully align with what they believe is important. This is a normal part of being human. Which of your values do you find hardest to live by? What gets in the way? What is one small step you could take this week to act more in line with that value?Example: Someone might value courage but admit they stayed quiet when a friend was being excluded. A small step could be speaking up the next time they notice it happening.

How Others See Your Values

Most of us act a little differently at home, with friends, and at school or work. Choose three people who know you from different parts of your life. If each one had to describe what you care about most, what would they say? How close are their answers to your own view?Example: Your teacher might say you value hard work, your best friend might say you value humor, and your parent might say you value independence. All three could be true.

Related ACT Worksheets

View all ACT →
ACT

Dropping Anchor: An ACT Grounding Skill

The ACE steps for staying steady in an emotional storm

ACT

Exploring What Matters: Values Conversation Prompts

Reflective discussion questions for uncovering and articulating personal values

ACT

Exploring Your Personal Values Across Life Domains

Clarify what matters most across the key domains of your life

Clinical guides that use this worksheet

ACT Values Worksheets: Clarifying What Matters and Turning It Into ActionAcceptance and Commitment Therapy Worksheets: The Complete Clinical Guide

Common Questions

What is the Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People worksheet?

Personal values are an internal compass that guides choices, shapes identity, and influences well-being. Children and teens are still forming their values, which makes late childhood and adolescence a good time for guided exploration.

How do I use the Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People worksheet?

Read through this resource to learn key concepts. Share with your therapist or use as a study reference. You can print this sheet or bookmark it for quick access later.

Is the Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People worksheet free?

Yes. Like every worksheet on Therapy Resource, it is free to read, print, and download as a PDF, no account required. A Pro subscription adds online filling with saved progress, practice-branded PDF exports, and secure client sharing.

Who is the Core Values Exploration: Guided Discussion Prompts for Young People worksheet for?

It is designed for therapists and counselors doing ACT work with clients, and for individuals using it for self-guided practice. Pro members can share it with clients through a private link. No client account needed.

Use this worksheet professionally

Pro members can fill worksheets online, save progress, customize content, share with clients, and export branded PDFs.

Try Pro free for 7 days →
← Back to all worksheets
Try Pro

Add to client link

Loading...

Changes appear on the client's bookmarked page right away. No notification is sent, and their answers stay in their own browser. Manage links

Share with Client

Create a private link to share this worksheet directly with a client. They won't need an account to view it.

Saved on this device only, never sent to our servers, and not shown to the recipient. Do not enter names, initials, diagnoses, or appointment times; use a code that means something only to you.