Have you ever had that feeling where life is moving along—you’re getting through the day-to-day, ticking the boxes, doing what you need to do—but deep down something feels… off? Maybe you’re feeling a bit stuck, a bit disconnected, or just unsure of what really matters to you anymore. If that sounds familiar, I want to share a simple but powerful tool I use in my counselling and psychotherapy practice: Live Your Values Cards.
These aren’t magic and can't change things overnight but they are genuinely helpful—especially if you’re someone who’s been feeling overwhelmed, lost in the noise, or just looking to reconnect with yourself in a more meaningful way. It helps you figure out exactly what is important to you... What you truly value in life.
What Are Live Your Values Cards?
At first glance, Live Your Values Cards are just a deck of small cards, each with a different word printed on it—things like trust, freedom, compassion, curiosity, connection, or creativity. But the magic is in what those words spark inside you. Each card represents a core human value—something that, whether we realise it or not, shapes how we make decisions, how we relate to others, and how we feel about our lives.
In therapy sessions, and even for those working on personal development outside of therapy, values card decks like these can be a practical, reflective tool to help you identify your values, clarify what matters most, and gently realign your life in a way that feels more true to who you are.
Have a think which values spark inside of you? and why?
Why I Use Live Your Values Cards in Therapy
1. They help when you're feeling stuck
Sometimes words are hard. The cards offer a simple, visual way to explore what really matters—especially if you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure.
2. They shift focus from “what’s wrong” to “what matters”
Instead of staying in the problem, we gently ask: What do you care about? What feels important? That shift can be surprisingly powerful.
3. They make abstract ideas feel real
Seeing words like freedom, connection, or calm laid out in front of you helps bring clarity and insight—fast.
4. They spark honest, deep conversations
Clients often say, “I didn’t realise how much I’ve been ignoring this part of myself.” The cards help uncover that truth without pressure.
5. They’re grounding and empowering
This isn't about being perfect—it's about reconnecting with what makes you you. That’s often the real work of therapy.
How to Use Values Cards (Even If You’re New to This)
Whether you’re with a counsellor or just reflecting on your own, Live Your Values Cards are easy and insightful.
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Spread out the cards (or use an online values list- Click here for a Values List from Brene Brown)
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Slowly flip through and notice which values grab your attention or sticks with you—trust your gut.
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Pick 5 to 10 that feel most “you.”
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Ask yourself:
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What does this value mean to me?
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Am I living it right now?
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Where might I be ignoring it?
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How could I honour it more?
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Choose one value to focus on this week, and plan one small action to support it.
Final Thoughts (And a Gentle Invitation)
I often bring the Live Your Values Cards into sessions when someone tells me they feel lost, unsure, or stuck. Instead of trying to “fix” the feeling straight away, we start by gently asking: What really matters to you? What do you want your life to stand for? The cards help spark that conversation and create space for insight and compassion—not judgment or pressure.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to get it all right. But when you take even a small step towards living in line with your values, it can change how you feel—not just about your decisions, but about yourself.
What I love about this tool is that it doesn’t tell you what to do. It helps you remember who you are. It comes from listening differently—and giving yourself permission to reconnect with what matters most.
Lets remember what is important to us.
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