The DNA-V model is a strength-based psychological framework designed to help young people

Many people associate teenage years and early adulthood (roughly between 16 and 24 years old, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) with excitement-seeking, pleasure-oriented, and self-centeredness. Even Aristotle used the term “the bloom of youth” to describe the puzzling relationship between youth and pleasure. However, if you actually ask some young people, their answers may be quite the opposite of the above-mentioned characteristics.

Adolescence tends to be the starting time of many forms of academic, occupational, intrapersonal, and interpersonal challenges. Things often do not get any easier when young people pass the arbitrary line of 18 years old and become adults. Given the ever-changing economic, geopolitical, and environmental climates, many young people feel that they are facing an increasing sense of instability and a bleak outlook for their futures.

The DNA-V model is a strength-based psychological framework designed to help young people build psychological flexibility, well-being, and resilience. It is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) which you can also read about in our articles. It uses a developmental lens to support identity development, emotional regulation, and values-based living.

The model name stands for:

• D – Discoverer
• N – Noticer
• A – Advisor
• V – Values

These represent four flexible ways of responding to life. Young people are encouraged to notice and shift between these “DNA” or “skills” to deal with challenges, reduce suffering, and live meaningfully.

✅ 1. Discoverer (D)

Function: Experimenting, trying new things, learning through trial and error.

Goal: Build confidence and flexibility by stepping outside of comfort zones.

Example:
A 14-year-old feels nervous about joining a drama club. With support, they try it out as a Discoverer, treating it as an experiment—not a test of their worth. Whether they enjoy it or not, they learn something new.

✅ 2. Noticer (N)

Function: Tuning into present moment experiences—thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and the environment.

Goal: Increase mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotion regulation.

Example:
A teen notices they feel tightness in their chest before a test. As a Noticer, they learn to observe anxiety without judgment and use breathing techniques to stay grounded.

✅ 3. Advisor (A)

Function: The internal voice or “thinking self” that gives advice, makes judgments, and predicts outcomes.

Goal: Recognize when the Advisor is helpful or unhelpful and avoid being dominated by negative self-talk.

Example:
A young person thinks, “I’ll fail this exam, I’m so stupid.” As an Advisor, this thought is seen as just a story. They learn to say, “Thanks, Advisor,” and choose actions based on values rather than fear.

✅ 4. Values (V)

Function: Guiding principles and aspirations—what truly matters to the young person.

Goal: Clarify what’s important to them and take committed action toward those values.

Example:
A 17-year-old wants to become a nurse because they value helping others. They use that value to motivate themselves through tough study periods and challenges.

🧩 Putting It Together: A Case Example

Scenario:
A 15-year-old avoids social events because of anxiety. She’s missing out on friendships and fun, which makes her feel isolated and sad.

DNA-V Model Application:

• Advisor: She recognizes her self-critical thought, “Everyone will think I’m awkward.”
• Noticer: She tunes into her feelings—nervous stomach, racing heart—and practices mindful breathing.
• Discoverer: She tries going to a short hangout, even just for 15 minutes, as an experiment.
• Values: She remembers that connection and fun are important to her, and uses that to motivate her actions.

Over time, Lena learns to shift from being stuck in her mind (Advisor) to engaging with life based on values and experimentation.

🛠️ Key Interventions and Techniques

• Mindfulness exercises (e.g., body scans, present-moment awareness)
• Defusion techniques (e.g., “name the story,” sing your thoughts)
• Values clarification (e.g., values cards, journaling about what matters)
• Behavioural experiments (e.g., try something new and reflect)
• Emotion coaching (e.g., naming and normalizing emotional responses)

In my therapy with young people, they can easily grasp the DNA-V and put it into practice. Its developmentally appropriate language and high levels of flexibility make this approach suitable for encouraging young people to explore their inner emotional landscape, as well as taking value-guided actions. After all, we want our next generation to be in the driver’s seat of their own lives, toward a destination that they find fulfilling and meaningful.

Stacey Zhang, registered psychologist

*Author’s note: This article is written with inputs from ChatGPT 4.0.