Reality Therapy
Reality therapy is a form of client-centred cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy focused on improving relationships and circumstances without delving into past events. This approach revolves around the belief that our most fundamental need is to feel loved, to belong, and that all other basic needs can only be met by establishing strong connections with others.
Reality therapy teaches us that while we cannot control our feelings, we can control our thoughts and behaviours. Its goal is to empower individuals to take control of their own lives by making appropriate choices. Therefore, reality therapy, or therapy based on reality, is rooted in individual choices.
From this perspective, if an individual can reconsider their choices, they can heal, as illness is viewed here as a choice or a weakness that is not inevitable. Reality therapy does not focus on analysing the past; instead, it concentrates on developing means to fulfil individual needs and help establish harmonious relationships with others.
The six key principles are as follows:
- Mental illness is a weakness rather than a disease.
- Delving into the past is pointless.
- Cooperation is better than transferring responsibility.
- Conscious examination is preferable to uncertain exploration of the unconscious.
- Emphasis should be on moral principles.
- Instructing is better than being non-directive.
The starting point of reality therapy lies in the question: "What is wrong with those who need psychiatric treatment?" According to Dr. Glasser, individuals needing psychiatric treatment primarily suffer from maladjustment, regardless of how they express their problem (psychological issues, behavioural disorders, depression). This basic maladjustment means the patient is unable to meet their essential needs. The more incapable an individual is of satisfying their needs to a high degree, the more severe their symptoms will be.
The second question posed by W. Glasser concerns more adjusted individuals: How do people living in society manage to meet their needs? W. Glasser suggests that throughout our lives, we must be connected to at least one person who can adequately satisfy their needs.
Essentially, reality therapy aims to help the patient fulfil two psychological needs: the need to love and be loved, and the need to feel useful to oneself and others. Through reality therapy, the therapist becomes the person genuinely interested in the patient and guides them toward progressive responsibility.
The patient learns better ways to meet their needs. The necessary connection will not be maintained if we do not assist the patient in discovering more satisfying behaviour patterns. Confronting reality is a crucial step, but the patient must learn to meet their needs in the real world, and every opportunity that arises is favourable for this education.
Therefore, according to W. Glasser and reality therapy, unhappiness does not stem from a difficult childhood. Instead, it arises from the inability to meet psychological needs.
With this approach, therapists, psychologists, social workers, educators, teachers, and parents will help individuals in difficulty see their personal and interpersonal reality as it is, stop making excuses and blaming others, develop their integrity, find effective ways to meet their needs, and thrive by overcoming the obstacles they encounter.
HENCE,
- Reality therapy is a specific approach in psychotherapy and counselling.
- Reality therapy is a client-centred approach that emphasizes the present rather than past issues.
- Reality therapy aims to help clients identify their unmet needs and guide them in establishing plans and goals to fulfil these needs.
- Reality therapy is a highly effective way to solve problems and set and achieve goals.
- Reality therapy enables individuals to improve the present and the future.