INTRODUCTION OF THE THERAPY

Reality therapy is a client-centered form of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy that focuses on

improving present relationships and circumstances, while avoiding discussion of past events. This
approach is based on the idea that our most important need is to be loved, to feel that we belong, and
that all other basic needs can be satisfied only by building strong connections with others. Reality
therapy teaches that while we cannot control how we feel, we can control how we think and behave.
The goal of reality therapy is to help people take control of improving their own lives by learning to
make better choices.

In Reality Therapy, Robert E. Wubbolding explores the history, theory, research, and practice of
this choice-focused approach to psychotherapy. William Glasser first developed the ideas behind reality
therapy in the 1950s and 1960s when he formulated the basis of choice theory, which concerns the way
human beings choose their own behavior and how these choices can either satisfy or not satisfy basic
drives and goals.

Using this theoretical basis, reality therapy helps clients to learn to be more aware of their
choices and how these choices may be inefficient in achieving their goals. Framing behavior as a choice,
a choice made by client's internal control, leads clients to feel more responsible and in command of
their lives.

Reality therapy is structured around the WDEP system (wants, doing, evaluation, and planning):
The reality therapist works with clients to explore their wants and what they are doing to achieve those
wants, evaluating whether what they are doing is helpful or harmful to their goals, and finally helping
the client plan ways to change their behavior.

KEY CONCEPTS

 Behavior
 Behavior is a central component of reality therapy. It’s categorized into organized
behaviors and reorganized behaviors.
 Organized behaviors are past behaviors that you created to satisfy your needs. The
therapist will help you recognize any ineffective organized behaviors.
 After identifying ineffective behaviors, you’ll work on changing them into more
effective behaviors or making completely new ones. These are called reorganized
behaviors.
 By presenting behaviors as choices, reality therapy can help you better manage
your life experiences and actions, according to advocates of the technique.
  Control
 The choice theory suggests that a person is only controlled by themselves. It also
states that the idea of being controlled by external factors is ineffective for making
change.
 This concept emerges in reality therapy, which states that behavioral choices are
determined by internal control. A reality therapist works to increase your
awareness of these controllable choices.

 Responsibility
 In reality therapy, control is closely linked to responsibility. According to Dr.
Glasser, when people make poor choices, they are irresponsibly trying to fulfill their
needs.
 Based on this notion, reality therapy aims to increase your accountability of your
behavior.

 Action
 According to reality therapy, your actions are part of your overall behavior. It also
maintains that you can manage your actions. Hence, the therapist will focus on
modifying actions to change behavior.
 The method involves evaluating your current actions, how well they’re satisfying
your needs, and planning new actions that will meet those needs.

 Present moment
 Reality therapy states that present behavior and actions aren’t influenced by the
past. Instead, it claims that current behavior is determined by the present unmet
needs. It uses a “here and now” approach to responsibility and action.

THERAPEUTIC PROCESS

In reality therapy, the therapist might begin the therapeutic process by guiding a person's
attention away from past behaviors in order to focus on those that occur in the present. Present needs
are what are relevant, as they are the needs that can be satisfied. Reality therapists also tend to not
focus on a person's symptoms, as Glasser believed symptoms of mental distress manifest as a result of a
person’s disconnection from others.

Individuals who enter reality therapy generally have a specific issue of concern, and the
therapist may ask them to consider the effects their behavior has on that area, helping that person focus
on things they can actually change rather than things beyond their control. In reality therapy, the focal
point is what the person in therapy can control. By understanding one's own needs and desires and
developing a plan to meet those needs while refraining from criticizing or blaming others, reality
therapists believe that a person may be able to form, reform, or strengthen connections with others.
USE OF THERAPY FROM A MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Contributions

 Focusing on acting and thinking reduce resistance to counselling.

 Allowing for a wide range of an acceptable behaviors to satisfy needs.

Limitations

 Ignoring environmental factors.

 Not appropriate for some cultural values.
 it is not considered a value to ask for what they need (i.e., thinking of what is good
for the social group as a whole).
 culturally sensitive counselors respect clients' cultural values, religious and/or
spiritual beliefs and values about such integration.