Reality Therapy states that individuals, not mental health issues, are responsible for their actions and behavior. People make choices that help them get their needs met, but some of these choices are unhelpful, leading to poor relationships skills and ways of relating to others. The therapist’s goal is to motivate individuals to take responsibility for their choices and behavior.
Counselors traditionally use Reality Therapy in prisons and schools. They can use it for individuals, couples, or groups.
Some mental health professionals claim Reality Therapy doesn’t validate mental health diagnoses.
Motivation, behavior, choices, and action are core components in Reality Therapy. Your therapist might help you understand each of these concepts and how they apply to your life. Therapists often spend time asking clients what their needs are. These can range from small things, such as desiring to rid yourself of a bad habit, to larger-scale issues, such as wanting to get your needs more fully met by your partner. Your therapist will help you decide what behaviors can more efficiently get your needs met.
Much of Reality Therapy involves identifying how your behavior, thus far, hasn’t been helpful. Once you gain this understanding, you will be more likely to make choices that align with getting your needs met in healthy, positive ways.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Reality Therapy
( English | español ) As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addiction Professional, I strive to help individuals gain knowledge in themselves and their strengths. Over the last 11 years, I have worked in private practice, residential substance abuse, and mental health settings & in a local clinic in Lee County. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. Please call for a free...
Are you or your child needing guidance in expressing your FEELINGS and EMOTIONS appropriately? Does your child prefer an alternative approach utilizing ART and PLAY therapy? Do you or someone you know need help in making challenging decisions while being in alignment with your FAITH? Would you like to talk to someone who is CALM and NON-JUDGMENTAL? Have you or someone you know been dealing with...
Relationship problems, depression, and anxiety are extremely painful and can threaten to overwhelm us. Work stressors can leave us feeling empty and without meaning or direction. Problems in school like bullying, lack of focus, and poor attention can cause self-doubt and prevent us from being successful. I've been a practicing Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist since 2012 and during that tim...
My personal philosophy of human nature is optimistic, hopeful, and empowering. Human beings are the world's most valuable resource. We can be powerful agents for good and for self-improvement if we choose to engage in the work necessary to realize our potential. My ability to perceive the thoughts and feelings of my clients assists me in helping clients to make significant, positive changes in...
I believe that we all have the capacity to succeed, to overcome, to grow. We are all affected by our experiences, and my goal is to help you find the way beyond those experiences so that you can find yourself again. I specialize in MYCS therapy, a new neuroscientific solution-focused method. MYCS allows you to learn how to manage your own brain in a way that stops automatic negative and racing...
As a teen specialist at Inspired Resolutions, I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to...
With over 25 years of experience in this field, I am unique and eclectic in my approach. I particularly enjoy working with clients who have been seen as "difficult" by others or who have been dissatisfied with counseling in the past. I recognize the hard work that goes into bringing about change, but still feel the overall experience in counseling should be enjoyable. I am passionate about my w...
My name is Dr. Kendra A. Surmitis, and I provide a comfortable, private space for individuals seeking personalized counseling, mindfulness, and psychoanalytically-informed psychotherapy. Do you wonder about the impact of your early relationships on your ability to enjoy your life and relationships today? Are you interested to learn more about your personality and avenues for greater life...
During this unsettling time of social isolating that we are all in I am offering telehealth through Doxy.me, which is HIPAA compliant and secure. We will be able to see each other on video and talk almost as if we are in person. I understand how upsetting our circumstances can be, especially when compounded with previous issues. Talking to a professional can be extremely helpful and therapeutic...
I have worked as a mental health practitioner for over 10 years. I began my career working with adolescents with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health needs in an inpatient treatment setting. I continued working with a variety of populations including homeless and at-risk families with children with mental health disorders. In 2013 I was an intern at the Orange County Health Ca...
Yo creo en terapia porque es un medio para educarnos hacerca de nuestras emociones y de como pensamos. Como professional my trabajo consiste en ayudar al individuo a aprender como entender depression , anxiedad y desordenes del estado de animo. Tambien proporcionar las herramientas que le ayudaran a manejar estos simtomas . I see clients of all ages, adults, children, couples, and families. I d...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist through the state of North Carolina. My previous counseling experiences include outpatient Substance Abuse and Mental Health counseling, Career and Personal Development counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University, and working with evidence based children's programs through Smart Start Services. I enjoy working with...
There is hope for all! After being a teacher in public schools for 14 years and a director of a faith-based non-profit that helped troubled teens and parents, for 2 years, I decided to go back to school to become a licensed therapist. I enjoy "walking" beside of people who are hurting and struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, relationships and/or depression. I work with young adults, teens,...
There are three things you need to understand in order to survive at this thing called life. Those things are clear understanding of when you are giving too much, too little and just enough. Survival is all about balance. As a LPC, my mission is to listen, support and advise individuals with mental challenges to live a balanced stress free lifestyle. I have been practicing counseling for over 1...
Do you feel stuck? Has your life suddenly been interrupted? Maybe you have been struggling with the same issue for years and you are ready to get the help you deserve. I am here to walk with you in this season, so that you can get back to living life to the fullest. Whether it's spiritual matters, anger, anxiety, depression, marriage and family, or difficult life transitions, there is help. The...
