REALITY THERAPY
Dr William Glasser says that a solution to conflict is good counselling. The Reality Therapist does not tell you what to do but works with you to frame options to meet your needs. Choice Theory provides the framework for Reality Therapy counselling. Reality Therapy is targeted to the individual needs of each person. The three factors listed below are central to the issues that Reality Therapy is addressing:
- Mostly an unsatisfying present relationship.
- Always in the present.
- What the person is choosing to do now.
Choice Theory does not deny that people have legitimate complaints, but it teaches that we can only control ourselves. The Reality Therapy Counselling process is non-judgmental and non-coercive but encourages the person to reflect on what are doing in relation to the questions: Is what I am doing taking me closer to what I want or further away? The Reality Therapy process teaches the person that legitimate or not, excuses stand directly in the way of their wellbeing and connectedness. The counsellor works to help the person find new behaviours that lead to needs satisfying behaviours.
Reality Therapy teaches the Counsellor to:
- Develop rapport
- Establish needs
- Determine present behaviours
- Identify the desire for change
- Establish a plan for change
- Follow-up and never give up
The Reality Therapy process is also applicable to Lead Management, Coaching, Mentoring and Personal and Professional Supervision.
