A Case for Integrating Values Clarification Work Into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common and often debilitating psychological disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be efficacious in treating SAD, however, barriers to successful treatment still remain. In particular, given the difficulty of engaging clients in anxiety-inducing exposure interventions, it is important to address issues of client motivation in treatment. The current article provides a rationale for incorporating values clarification work from an acceptance and commitment therapy perspective into CBT for SAD. More specifically, it proposes helping clients in CBT for SAD to clarify their values and commit to behaving in ways consistent with their values. The rationale is that values work could enhance treatment motivation and adherence by providing motivation to engage in the difficult work of exposure. Values work also contributes to a sense of meaning and purpose that can enhance positive well-being and quality of life. Finally, values work might be beneficial in maintaining gains following the termination of treatment. Suggestions for application strategies of incorporating values work in to CBT for SAD are provided, in addition to recommendations for research.