What is Reality Therapy?

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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

Life can be very stressful, often leading to feelings of fear, helplessness, and hopelessness, which can result in anxiety, depression or a loss of self. Life transitions can be overwhelming and confusing. Difficult family relationships, marital problems, parenting issues, and divorce, may seem hopeless. Do grief & loss issues, loneliness, and isolation, have you searching for ways to connect w...
Having to face the daily challenges and exhaustion of life can wear a person out. Dealing with constant worry and struggles can feel like an uphill battle. You feel like no one understands. You wish someone would not just hear you but actually stop to listen. You often wonder if you will ever overcome the past. You’re tired of feeling isolated and alone. You’re tired of being angry. You’re tire...
Hello! Thank you for taking the first step towards change, growth and healing. I am here to help you in overcoming life’s challenges that are impacting your emotional well-being, your relationships, and your day to day functioning. As an experienced therapist, I am here to support you in identifying the tools and resources you already possess as well as introducing new coping skills to manage a...

Jeffrey Lee Pharion

Columbus

Ohio

We live in a fast-paced world with lots of distractions, temptations, and negativity. It can be hard to reach out for help when these issues begin to overwhelm your life. Many of my clients come to me because they are stressed out (anxiety from work, school, family) and need a new perspective. My main priority is to help my clients sort through these everyday challenges and help implement posit...
Trained in extensive cognitive behavioral theory and working at VR, I worked to help clients find new ways of working and developing self concepts that embrace change. Working at Patrick Harris Psychiatric Hospital, I saw those with severe mental illnesses. Additional academic training was helpful in working with those with chronic diseases. Now, primarily, I see children using play therapy...

James C Winnek

Charlotte

North Carolina

My ideal client is open to change and is committed to the process of the client/counselor relationship. My primary area of interest is in adults and children who experience stress, anxiety and depression in their daily lives. I believe there is a strong correlation between mental health and success in one's professional/academic and personal/social life. I have a strong background in athletics ...
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Jennifer A Riapos

Atlanta

Georgia

Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Social Work at Kennesaw State University graduating cum laude. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. A New Jersey native, Jennifer relocated to Cobb County in 2005 as a single parent raising two children. She is active in the community and her church. Jennifer has extensive experience...
Do you ever feel exhausted and overwhelmed--from the past or even just getting through your day? You want to live this great life, but something is holding you back? I've felt this way, too, and I know from experience that getting the right help when you need it can lead to great things. As a clinician at Hope For The Journey, I specialize in trauma and anxiety recovery. I have advanced trainin...

Kimberly Youmans

Hartford

Connecticut

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. People may want to address topics such as, co-parenting, gender or sexuality, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, addiction, life transitions, trauma and more. We all have the capacity to reach our full potential but sometimes this is clouded by low self-esteem, past trauma, or unmet needs. Together we can work through/process...

Cooper Golden

Salt Lake City

Utah

Over the last 10 years I've specialized in working with teens, young adults and their family systems. It's hard to find a good therapist who can sincerely help those struggling with depression, anxiety, failure to launch, oppositional defiance, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, lack of motivation and emotional regulation. If you're feeling stuck, angry, lost or confused, it can be...
Struggles continue even during a PANDEMIC!! We are here to help you!! We are seeing clients daily via HIPPA compliant Telehealth. We are meeting with INDIVIDUAL, COUPLES, CHILDREN, TEENS and FAMILIES. We can help you with your difficulties whether they relate to this pandemic or not. We work with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, fears, family dynamics, parenting struggles and other...
I am currently not taking new clients until Spring 2021. Welcome! It is my belief that it is very normal in our lives to feel conflict, sadness, anger, or distress. It’s when these feelings and behaviors start to impact our lives in a negative way that we may need extra support in sorting through what it means. Counseling is not about me telling you what to do, but instead, joining you on your...