Psychology/ Reality Therapy

Reality Therapy

Keeping in mind that choice theory and reality therapy are intertwined, it is crucial to
point out that they complement one another. Dr Glasser first created the choice theory.
According to Dr William Glasser, there are five primary human wants: love/belonging, power;
enjoyment; free will; and survival. Despite the importance of all of the other human needs, love
and belonging are the most sought after and desired by the majority of people. A person's only
source of control is his or her own will, and no other influences can take away that control or
choice from someone. This means that only a person's internal elements cause issues, whilst
external influences are merely obstacles that can be overcome. With such a philosophy, it is
impossible to blame external factors or feel helpless in the face of current difficulties.
A person's perspectives of others are shaped by various things, including their cultural
history, attitudes, beliefs, and understandings, all of which influence their approach to reality
therapy. In reality therapy, the focus is on the here and now, and the past is considered
inconsequential. The therapy is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy in that it is action and
solution-driven (Wubboldin, 2018). One of the most critical aspects of self-development is the
establishment of a strong internal locus of control, in which an individual is a sole decision-
maker responsible for shaping his or her behavior and adapting the environment to suit those
requirements or those of others. Realism, responsibility, and right-and-wrong are reality
therapy's three main R's.
Much work must be done, even though multiculturalism research has become
increasingly common among therapists. Instead of promoting multiculturalism, therapy
educators conduct a study on what it is. The field of multicultural therapy also necessitates
investigation into therapeutic practice (Dunham, 2021). Many counsellors' methods are

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influenced by their theoretical perspectives. Therapists' assumptions may not always reflect the
prevalent theoretical orientations, but there are underlying values that might have a significant
impact on the counselling process. In addition, therapists and all theoretical orientations face
cultural encapsulation. Culturally competent therapists should actively examine their
assumptions about values, nature, prejudices, and other human qualities. Having a positive
working relationship with the clients is also essential.
There must be a safe and trustworthy setting to practice Reality Therapy. Empathy,
congruence and positive regard must be established and maintained by a counsellor in order to
create a compelling and therapeutic atmosphere. When a non-threatening relationship is
established, clients will come to know and understand that the counsellor is truly worried about
them and honestly wants to help (Dunham, 2021). The counsellor and client can proceed with the
methods of Reality Therapy once the setting has been established.
Learning about reality therapy has enabled me to understand that Reality therapy's
beautiful qualities must be incorporated into the counselling process. In order to obtain the best
possible outcome for both the counsellor and the counselee, these characteristics emphasize the
importance of staying focused on the present and letting go of the past. To avoid condemning
and blaming the counselee, the counsellor must have an apparent grasp of the counselee's
actions. They are more motivated to change their behavior and personalities if not subjected to
harsh criticism or coercion. To avoid being subjective, counsellors should avoid presenting the
counselee with a predetermined course of action. Instead, they should present viable alternatives.

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References

Dunham, S. M. (2021). A comparison of reality therapy and choice theory with solution-focused
therapy. International Journal of Choice Theory® and Reality Therapy, 31(2), 14.
Wubbolding, R. E. (2018). Reality therapy/Choice theory. Counseling and psychotherapy: