1. HMS 205 – Reality Therapy
Dr. Pemberton

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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”

10. 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?

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