748 Choice Theory/Reality Therapy Flashcards
Basic Assumptions
Symptoms are the result of choices we’ve made
We can choose to think, feel and behave differently
Reality therapy is based on Choice Theory
Basic Assumptions
Emphasis is on personal responsibility
Basic Assumptions
Therapist’s function is to keep therapy focused on the present and not on symptoms
Basic Assumptions
We often mistakenly choose misery in our best attempt to meet our needs
Basic Assumptions
We act responsibly when we meet our needs without keeping others from meeting their needs
Basic Assumptions
The notion of transference is rejected by reality therapists
Basic Human Needs
All internally motivated behavior is geared toward meeting one or more of our basic genetically encoded needs:
Basic Human Needs
Love and belonging Power Freedom Fun Survival (physiological needs)
Our Quality World
Our quality world consists of our visions of specific people, activities, events, beliefs, and situations that will fulfill our needs
Our Quality World
Our quality world is like a picture album of specific wants as well as precise ways to satisfy these wants
Our Quality World
Getting into the clients’ quality world is the art of therapy
Total Behavior
Doing – active behaviors
Total Behavior
Thinking – thoughts, self-statements
Total Behavior
Feelings – anger, joy, pain, anxiety
Total Behavior
Physiology – bodily reactions
Cycle of Counseling
Creating the counseling environment
Supportive, challenging, and non coercive
Cycle of Counseling
Implementing specific procedures that lead to changes in behavior
-WDEP
The “WDEP” System
Procedures That Lead to Change:
W Wants - What do you want to be and do?
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 – “SAMIC3”
Planning For Change. SAMIC3
S Simple A Attainable M Measurable I Immediate and involved C Controlled by the planner, committed to, and consistently done
Application to Group Counseling
Group leaders and members jointly determine goals and plans of action
Application to Group Counseling
Members explore new courses of behavior that will bring them closer to getting what they want out of life
Application to Group Counseling
Leaders challenge members to evaluate for themselves if what they are currently doing is working for them
Application to Group Counseling
Feedback from leaders and members can help individuals design realistic and attainable plans
Application to Group Counseling
Group setting encourages members to take an active stance in attaining change in their lives
Strengths from a Diversity Perspective
Therapists demonstrate their respect for their clients’ cultural values by helping them explore how satisfying their current behavior is to themselves and others
Strengths from a Diversity Perspective
It is a sign of respect that the reality therapist refrains from deciding what behaviors should be changed
Strengths from a Diversity Perspective
With a focus on thinking and acting rather than on feelings, many clients are less likely to display resistance
Strengths from a Diversity Perspective
The principles underlying choice theory are universal, which makes choice theory applicable to all people
Strengths from a Diversity Perspective
Reality therapy is an open system that allows for flexibility in application based on the needs of culturally diverse individuals
Limitations from a Diversity Perspective
Reality therapy gives only limited attention to helping people address environmental and social problems
Limitations from a Diversity Perspective
Some reality therapists may not pay enough attention to systemic and environmental factors that can limit the potential for choice
Limitations from a Diversity Perspective
Some clients are very reluctant to directly verbally express what they need
Contributions of Reality Therapy
RT has a relatively short-term focus and deals with conscious behavioral problems
Contributions of Reality Therapy
The existential underpinnings of choice theory are a major strength of this approach, which accentuates taking responsibility for what we are doing
Contributions of Reality Therapy
With the emphasis on responsibility and choice, individuals can acquire a sense of self-direction and empowerment
Contributions of Reality Therapy
RT can be effectively used with individuals who manifest reluctance and who are highly resistant
Contributions of Reality Therapy
RT has been effectively used in addiction treatment and recovery programs for over 30 years
Limitations of Reality Therapy
Some feel RT does not adequately address important psychological concepts such as insight, the unconscious, dreams and transference
Limitations of Reality Therapy
Clinicians may have trouble viewing all psychological disorders (including serious mental illness) as behavioral choices
Limitations of Reality Therapy
More empirical support of RT is needed
Limitations of Reality Therapy
Some therapists may impose personal views on clients by deciding for them what constitutes responsible behavior
Limitations of Reality Therapy
RT is often construed as simple and easy to master when in fact it requires much training to implement properly
