Choice Theory Instructional Module

 

                           

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Reality Therapy

Reality therapy is a counseling approach developed by psychiatrist, William Glasser. This approach emphasizes 1) the responsibility of the individual for his or her own behavior and 2) the importance of the relationship between the two counseling partners, that is, the counselor and the counselee. If the person being counseled does not perceive the counselor as caring, trustworthy, and able to help, the counseling is not likely to be successful. The counselor always holds the client accountable for his or her actions and at the  appropriate time, introduces the principles of Choice Theory. A key aspect of reality therapy is self-evaluation. Since "wants" provide information on the person's underlying (unmet) needs, a series of questions form the basis of the self-evaluation process, whether the individual is a client in a clinical setting or a student whose behavior is interfering with his or her learning/development and/or that of the other students. As part of getting one's needs met, of course, other people's needs must also be respected.

  • What do I want?

  • What am I doing to get what I want?

  • Is what I'm doing working?

  • Is there a more effective way to get what I want (meet my needs)?

Robert Wubbolding, Ph.D., who has been associated with the Glasser Institute for a number of years, uses the metaphor, "Radio Station WDEP" to summarize the procedures used in practicing Reality Therapy. W stands for wants. Eliciting a commitment to change is an important aspect of the process. Wubbolding (1991) describes five levels of commitment, ranging from lack of commitment, that is, not wanting to do anything to change, to being willing to do whatever is necessary. D represents direction and doing: the person being helped describes the current situation and related details. E is for evaluation, a critical aspect of making positive changes in one's life. P stands for planning. SAMIC3  is used by Wubbolding to summarize the key features of
                                                                   P
effective planning: "P" represents the person; the plan for change must be Simple, Attainable, Measurable, Immediate, Controlled by the planner, Consistently practiced, and Committed to.

   © 2003 Lisbeth K. Justice, M.A., RTC