What Matters, What Helps: A Free Values, Needs and Surge Plan Worksheet for Adults with ADHD

ADHD · ACT · Emerging

A values and needs sheet. The client rates choice, feeling able and connection from 0 to 10, notices what happens when one is squeezed, ticks the areas that matter, plans one tiny step tied to a cue with a back-up and writes a one-page surge plan with early signs, a first move and who can help.

Underlying mechanism: ACT-Informed Values and Self-Determination Needs Work for Adult ADHD: Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness and a Surge Plan

What it helps with

Noticing when a surge arrives because a need such as choice or connection is under pressure.
Choosing one values-led step small enough for the worst day.
Tying the step to a cue the client already has and planning for what might get in the way.
Leaving a one-page plan for the next surge, including repair.

How clinicians use it

Use it at Sessions 7 and 8, after the compassion session.
Ask where each need is supported and where it is squeezed, and which surges arrive then.
Keep the step concrete, tiny and visible and tie it to an existing cue.
At Session 8 write the surge plan and repeat the baseline measures.

Clinical Implementation Guide

Rate the three needs and notice which is squeezed.
Choose one tiny step and tie it to a cue.
Write the surge plan and repeat the measures at Session 8.

What the worksheet looks like

What Matters, What Helps — worked example
Need	In plain words
Choice (autonomy)	I feel I am choosing how I spend my time
Feeling able (competence)	I feel capable of doing things that matter to me
Connection (relatedness)	I feel close to and understood by people

Clinical cautions

The values work is rated Emerging for adults with ADHD: no ADHD trial of this kind of session was found, and the needs-based coaching evidence is a small feasibility study. Keep the step tiny, concrete and visible, and do not set values as a standard to fail against. Where a low need rating reflects an unsafe or controlling situation, treat that first. Surges will return, so frame the plan as skills and repair and not as a cure.

References

Champ, R. E., Meneses, R. W., Adamou, M., Gillibrand, W., Arrey, S., & Tolchard, B. (2025). A neuroaffirmative, self-determination theory-based psychosocial intervention for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Randomized feasibility study. JMIR Formative Research, 9, e69943. https://doi.org/10.2196/69943
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68
Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006
A-Tjak, J. G. L., Davis, M. L., Morina, N., Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A. J., & Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (2015). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy for clinically relevant mental and physical health problems. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 84(1), 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1159/000365764

Copyright and use in research

Suggested citation (APA 7th edition): Pomfret, R. (2026). Steady the Surge: A skills-first, neuroaffirmative protocol for adults with ADHD and emotional surges (Version 1.0) [Therapist guide and worksheets]. Third Wave Therapy Tools. https://thirdwavetherapytools.com/

Part of

Steady the Surge

Related worksheets

Next steps

Browse the full clinical resource library — every worksheet, free and printable.
Hear about new free resources. Join the clinician email list for occasional notes when there is something useful to share. The sign-up form is at the foot of this page once it has finished loading. This worksheet is free without signing up; unsubscribe anytime.
Professional and Studio workflows — saved Client Packs, secure delivery and programme publishing when you need more than individual free resources.