Verywell / Laura Porter
Reality therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that views all behaviors as choices.
It also says that people choose to have negative emotions, which leads to people making negative decisions.
The choice theory dictates that people, at their core, are trying to satisfy five basic needs.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Relationship Habits
This is particularlyimportant for coupleswho are interested in reality therapy.
It proposes that every interaction can practice the seven connecting or the seven disconnecting relationship habits.
Connecting relationship habits include:
Disconnecting habits include:
Quality vs.
The “perceived world,” on the other hand, is much more subjective.
Glasser believes that the closer the two are, the better a person feels.
These people are much more likely to take responsibility for their choices and the outcomes.
It is harder for these people to accept that their choices led to certain outcomes.
Couples therapyis another setting where aspects of reality therapy and choice theory have proven particularly helpful.
Since reality therapy emphasizes accountability, it’s proven to be particularly helpful for adultsstruggling with addiction.
This helps people feel as though they can control their life choices and even help others do the same.
The most major, of course, is that it does not take mental health conditions into account.
This is particularly important if you’re looking for a therapist for yourself or you and a partner.
However, the overarching concepts can still be useful in school or educational prefs.
Find out which option is the best for you.
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1997;63(3):16-21.
Bradley E.Choice Theory and Reality Therapy: An Overview.International Journal of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy.
2014;34(1):6.
Duba, Dr. Jill D.; Graham, Mary Amanda; Britzman, Mark; and Minatrea, Neresa.
2009;29(2):5-12.
Kim J.Effectiveness of Reality Therapy Program for Schizophrenic Patients.Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.
2017;35(8):28 March 2017.
Lynn Fitzgerald A.Reality Therapy for Marital and Family Systems Counseling.Counseling and Wellness: A Professional Counseling Journal.
The Glasser Institute’s website breaks down the details of choice theory and reality therapy.
