Reality Therapy: William Glasser is responsible for the development of Reality theory which is based on Choice Theory. This theory asserts that individuals determine their own fate. Our perception controls our behavior and we behave appropriately or inappropriately to fill our needs. In this theory there are five genetically based needs. They include survival, love, belonging, power or achievements, freedom or independence, and fun. Our behavior is based on our attempts to meet these needs. Problems occur when we don’t take responsibility for our behavior. Taking responsibility is a key goal. The counselor’s role is that of teacher and model. The counselor strives to assist individual to become psychologically strong, clarify goals, make a realistic plan to meet needs, eliminate excuses, and focus on present behavior. Techniques used include confrontation, role playing, humor, avoiding blame, and feedback to client generated plans for change. Strengths of this theory include the ability to use it with different populations, it is very concrete, it is short term and solution focused, it focuses on the here and now, and promotes client responsibility. Limits of this theory are that it ignores the unconscious, personal history, and mental illness.
This therapy is often the type that folks end up directed to it they get into trouble with drugs or other substance abuse.
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