Reality Therapy

What is Reality Therapy?  Reality therapy is a counseling approach that focuses on the here and now issues that a client may have. Many of the problems of clients are caused by their inability to connect, to get close to others, or to have a satisfying or a successful relationship with at least one significant person in their lives (Corey, 2012, p. 335). Basically with reality therapy it is an attempt to try and separate the negative behavior/issues from the client.  Reality therapy does not attempt to rehash the past lives of clients or deal with unconscious or conscious issues.
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Key Figures:  William Glasser & Robert E. Wubbolding

William Glasser founder of Reality Therapy






Robert E. Wubbolding has taught classes on Reality Therapy and later developed the "WDEP" system.
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Key Concepts:  The heart of reality therapy is learning how to make better and more effective choices and gain more effective control. People take charge of their lives rather than being the victims of circumstances beyond their control (Corey, 2012, p. 354).  Reality therapy can be used in many different facilities such as hospitals, schools, and substance abuse centers.
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Techniques:  Several techniques can be used in reality therapy, such as the "WDEP system" and clients taking the first steps for change. The "WDEP system" in reality therapy consists of wants, doing, evaluation, planning and commitment. Many clients are often sent to reality therapy to change their lives for the better - sometimes the clients are made to attend therapy and then at other times the clients hit rock bottom and realize that it is time for change. The therapist guides clients toward a satisfying relationship and teaches them more effective ways behaving (Corey, 2012, p. 335). The key technique for the therapist to help the client is the environment and give the client the ability for them bond or connect (gain trust to help the client heal).
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Goals of theory:  Therapy consists mainly of helping and sometimes teaching clients to make more  effective choices as they deal with the people they need in their lives (Corey, 2012, p. 336).  This short-term approach is based on choice theory and focuses on the client assuming responsibility in the present.  Through the therapeutic process, the client is able to learn more effective ways of meeting her or his needs (Corey, 2012, p. 11).  The goals of reality therapy include behavioral change, better decision making, improved significant relationships, enhanced living, and more effective satisfaction of all the psychological needs (Corey, 2012, p. 354).  The ultimate goal of reality therapy is for the clients to change their lives for the better. 
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Suggested link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiUkHIHkEWQ 

References

Corey, G. (2012). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (9th edition). Belmont,

             CA:  Brooks/Cole.

RealityTherapyDDM. (2008, July). Reality Therapy. wmv. Retrieved June 8, 2012, from

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiUkHIHkEWQ