Reality (Choice) Therapy

Themes People are born with 5 innate needs that drive us all our lives: Survival Love and belonging Power (achievement, competence, recognition, self esteem) Freedom or independence (autonomy) Fun or enjoyment When we feel bad, one or more of these needs is unsatisfied Often times these needs are also associated with relationships

Themes Behavior has a purpose because it is designed to close the gap between what we want and what we perceive we are getting All human behaviors are composed of doing (acting), thinking, feeling, and physiology and is generated from within We are responsible for our behavior: therefore, we are capable of change by choosing more effective behaviors (we have most control over doing, thinking is second most)

Process The focus of reality therapy is on changing total behavior by discussing the clients: current actions evaluation of their actions effectiveness in fulfilling needs and current wants evaluation of the realistic attainability of these needs and wants, current perceptions or viewpoints along with the helpfulness (or hurtfulness) of those viewpoints

Process Emphasizes choice and responsibility (dealing with what one can control not what one cannot [including the past]) Reject transference Keep the therapy in the present Avoid focusing on symptoms If talking about feelings, need to strongly relate them to what people are doing and thinking

Process WDEP (Wants, Doing, Evaluate, Plan) Wants (Explore all areas of their wants and needs): If you were the person that you wish you were, what kind of person would you be? What would your family be like if your wants and their wants matched? What would you be doing if you were living as you wanted to? Do you really want to change your life? What is it you want that you don’t seem to be getting from life? What do you think stops you from making the changes you would like?

Process WDEP (Wants, Doing, Evaluate, Plan) Direction and Doing (Explore current behaviors and whether they are moving the individual toward meeting their wants and needs): What are you doing now? What did you actually do this past week? What did you want to do differently this past week? What stopped you from doing what you wanted to do? What will you do tomorrow?

Process WDEP (Wants, Doing, Evaluate, Plan) Evaluation (Does your present behavior have a reasonable chance of getting you what you want now, and will it take you in the direction that you want to go?) Is what you are doing helping or hurting you? Is what you are doing now what you want to be doing? Is your behavior working for you? Is there a healthy congruence between what you are doing and what you believe? Is what you are doing against the rules? Is what you want realistic or attainable? Does it help you to look at it that way? How committed are you to the therapeutic process and to changing you life? After carefully examining what you want, does it appear to be in your best interests and in the best interests of others?

Process WDEP (Wants, Doing, Evaluate, Plan) Planning and Action Simple Attainable Measurable Immediate Controlled by planner Committed to Continuously done

Process Therapist’s role Educator and mentor Good attending skills Willing to be realistic about own behaviors and willing to talk about own struggles Firm and confrontational Provide idea that no matter how bad things get there is hope