HMS 205 – Reality Therapy Dr. Pemberton

Reality Therapy Basic Beliefs Emphasis is on responsibility Therapist’s function is to keep therapy focused on the present We often mistakenly choose misery in our best attempt to meet our needs We act responsibly when we meet our needs without keeping others from meeting their needs

Basic Needs All internally motivated behavior is geared toward meeting one or more of our basic human needs Belonging Power Freedom Fun Survival (Physiological needs) Our brain functions as a control system to get us what we want – quality world

Quality World The world we would like to live in Completely based upon needs Picture album People are most important component Therapist must be kind of person that the client want to have in this world

Explanation of Behavior All we ever do is behave – what have we ever done that is not a ‘behavior’? Total behavior = Acting Thinking Feeling Physiology Must focus on verb forms (depressing vs. depressed Behavior is person’s best effort to get needs met

Characteristics of Reality Therapy Don’t focus on ineffective behavior Complaining, blaming, criticizing, etc Emphasize Responsibility and Choice Focus on areas of choice Reject Transference Must be who we are as therapist Stay in present Not victims of past unless we choose to be Can reflect on successes

Characteristics No talk of symptoms Challenge traditional views Don’t let past ‘protect’ client from present Focusing on symptoms does the same These are ways our bodies tell us to make different decisions Challenge traditional views Psychiatry can be hazardous Glasser does not agree with DSM Never use medication

Process Goals Therapist’s Function and Role Help client “get connected” w/ people in QW Find better ways to fulfill all needs Therapist’s Function and Role Create a good relationship Teach clients to self-evaluate There is hope Keep focused on present Counselor must have certain characteristics and be a mentor

Procedures That Lead to Change: The “WDEP” System W Wants: What do you want to be and do? Your “picture album” D Doing and Direction: What are you doing? Where do you want to go? E Evaluation: Does your present behavior have a reasonable chance of getting you what you want? P Planning – “SAMIC”

Planning For Change S Simple: Easy to understand, specific and concrete A Attainable: Within the capacities and motivation of the client M Measurable: Are the changes observable and helpful? I Immediate & Involved: What can be done today? What can you do? C Controlled: Can you do this by yourself or will you be dependent on others?

Total Behavior Our Best Attempt to Satisfy Our Needs DOING ~ active behaviors THINKING ~ thoughts, self-statements FEELINGS ~ anger, joy, pain, anxiety PHYSIOLOGY ~ bodily reactions