Reality Therapy/Choice Theory

Let's start off with this youtube video on Reality Therapy explained by William Glasser it is brief but precise...  

 

 

(youtube/Glasser, 2010)

(infocus.com, 2012)

 

 

Founders: William Glasser (b.1925), Robert E. Wubbolding, EdD (b.1936)

Key Concepts: According to Glasser (as cited by Corey, 2013), we are all born with five genetically encoded needs that drive us all our lives: survival, love and belonging, power or inner control, freedom, and fun. Reality therapy is really choice theory, counselors help clients identify unmet needs and help clients to satisfy those needs. Choice theory teaches that we do not satisfy our needs directly but that we keep close track of anything we do that makes us feel good (Corey, 2013).

Characteristics of Reality Therapy: Corey 2013, shows us the important characteristics of what reality therapist focus on:

• Emphasize Choice and Responsibility
• Reject Transference (therapist must be themselves 100%)
• Keep the therapy in the present
• Avoid focusing on symptoms
• Challenge traditional views of mental illness (labeling people just gives them an excuse for their maladaptive behaviors)

Therapeutic Goals: The main goal of this therapy is to get people connected. Those that are having a hard time connecting to the people they love reality therapy can really help, along with fulfilling the other basic needs mentioned above. Challenging the clients to examine what they are doing in their lives is greatly important as well. Here are some questions according to Corey 2013 that therapist tend to ask clients:

• How would you most like to change your life?
• What do you want in your life that you are not getting?
• What would you have in your life if you were to change?
• What do you have to do now to make the changes happen?

Wubbolding and his "WDEP" System (as cited by Corey, 2013);
Wants- exploring wants, needs, and perceptions
Direction and Doing-"What are you doing"
Self-evaluation- asking clients if their current behavior is getting them what they want?
Planning and action- "What is your plan?", now go do it!

Key Terms: Choice theory, quality world, total behavior

I really enjoyed watching this next youtube video, Dr.Ken Larsen explains how he applies reality/choice theory in his ministries. Really makes me think of the direction I would like take my career. 

(youtube/Larsen, 2010)

Resources

 

Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (9 ed., pp. 137-171). Belmont, CA: BROOKS/COLE CENGAGE Learning.

(2012). Choice theory/5 basic needs. (2012). [graphic image]. Retrieved from http://in-focus.com.sg/choice-theory/

 

 Dr. william glasser [Web]. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FckebmElMa8

Larsen, K. (2010). Dr. ken larsen [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3xa0OYR-c0