Psychotherapists sometimes seem unable to accept the simplest things without questioning them, or looking for hidden meanings. This is not because of an aversion to doing, although it may become linked to this, or because psychotherapists are odd or different. Psychotherapists are, however, committed to understanding other people in a more rigorous way than is usually the case. Psychotherapists all share this fundamental value, but they may be very different in some of the other values that they hold. These differences are considered in this chapter.

Values are important in psychotherapy because:

• Values determine identity

• They are the basis of ethical practice

• Good outcome depends on a compatibility of values between the therapist and the client

My values are me

Values are beliefs, often convictions, about what is right or good. Along with concerns and wishes, they constitute the ‘me’ that a person describes when someone says, ‘Tell me about yourself’ and they reply, ‘Well, this is me: I hate racism, I love ice-cream, I want five children …’ or ‘I love Beethoven, fast cars, dogs and Rugby football. I hate sitting around, chatting and East Enders’.

People do not wear their values on their sleeves. In fact, it may be very difficult for some people to describe their values at all. Values have usually to be inferred from the client's discourse, which is more likely to be about plans, wishes or feelings.