Synonyms
Choice Theory; Counseling; Counseling method; Psychotherapy
Definition
A counseling technique where the client is encouraged to focus on the here and now rather than on the past, complaints or symptoms in order to obtain better control over his or her life.
Description
Reality therapy was developed by Dr. William Glasser in 1965 and is based on Choice Theory, once known as Control Theory [2, 4–9, 11]. Choice Theory basically theorizes that all behavior is purposeful and is meant to match the pictures we have formulated in our minds of what we want to reality in order to fulfill the five basic human needs: love and belonging, power, fun, freedom and self preservation [4, 6, 7].
Basic Assumptions
The basic assumptions of Reality therapy are that underlying problem is based on relationships that are disconnected or unsatisfactory as well as how the person perceives and feels about him or herself, people are in control of their behaviorsthus are responsible for the behaviors...
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References
Brierley, S. A. (1989). Finding her own way. In N. Glasser (Ed.), Control theory in the practice of reality therapy: Case studies. New York: Harper and Row.
Brigman, G. (n. d.). Reality therapy: Glasser’s control theory. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://www.coe.fau.edu/faculty/gbrigman/gestalt-reality/reality-therapy.ppt
Fates, M. G. (1989). A priceless gift. In N. Glasser (Ed.), Control theory in the practice of reality therapy: Case studies. New York: Harper and Row.
Glasser, W. (1984). Control theory: A new explanation of how we control our lives. New York: Harper and Row.
Glasser, W. (1989). Control theory. In N. Glasser (Ed.), Control theory in the practice of reality therapy: Case studies. New York: Harper and Row.
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International Journal of Reality Therapy. (2007). Reality therapy. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://www.journalofrealitytherapy.com/realitytherapy.htm
Real Mental Health, Inc. (2008). Therapy types: Reality therapy. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://www.realmentalhealth.com/general/therapy_types_4.asp?view=print
Strohl, T. A. (1989). Symptoms: The price we pay to control. In N. Glasser (Ed.), Control theory in the practice of reality therapy: Case studies. New York: Harper and Row.
The William Glasser Institute. (2008). Reality therapy. Retrieved July 7, 2008, from http://wglasser.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=28
Zeeman, R. D. (1989). From acting out to joining in. In N. Glasser (Ed.), Control theory in the practice of reality therapy: Case studies. New York: Harper and Row.
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Means, C. (2011). Reality Therapy. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2353
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_2353
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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