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

Sam Rake

Columbus

Ohio

Telemed and video counseling are optional during the covid-19 crisis. If you are looking for a counselor, then most likely you are at a standstill, something has happened, and you are experiencing concern and maybe discomfort. You need someone that will focus on you, listen to you, and to help you develop a plan or solution that will help. I work with married couples, children and adolescents,...
I am a licensed psychologist with Clinical and Forensic Specialties. I provide comprehensive psychological testing to clients with a variety of mental heath concerns (social/emotional, behavioral, personality, trauma, depression, anxiety, etc), assessment for emotional support animals, and diagnostic assessment to include IQ and academic testing to assist with IEP/504 management. I also special...
One of the best ways to support someone who is hurting is by listening. I am a counselor who truly listens. I am here to help you manage your problems more effectively with a collaborative approach on your therapeutic journey and healing process. In the end, my goal is to help you become the person you desire to be. Growing up in a pastoral household, I have witnessed the positive effects of...
Change is unsettling.Whether it is losing a loved one unexpectedly, ending a relationship, moving to another city/state/country, or finally coming out as who you truly are:It turns your life upside down.My focus is to help individuals and couples to manage the depression and anxiety that comes with adjusting to new realities and to help make sense of the unresolved trauma that often fuels it.My...
Hi! My name is Beth Mancini and I am the Owner of Bella Mente Counseling in Woonsocket, RI. Bella Mente has EIGHT wonderful counselors with years of experience. We are warm, friendly, non-judgmental and TRULY LOVE what we do- which is to help you!! We have male and female counselors. We have English, Spanish and Chinese speaking counselors. We are open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm most days! We h...

Shallon Dusebout

Boulder

Colorado

Shallon utilizes Equine Assisted Therapy to offer a unique opportunity for children and teens to explore interpersonal issues, increase self-esteem and confidence, and grow in hope and self-efficacy. Shallon believes that relationships with horses reveal underlying strengths and challenges while also empowering individuals to succeed and build healthy relationships. As your therapist, Shallon w...
Breakthrough Psychological Solutions, PLLC is your partner in human empowerment and leadership development. We are experienced, highly qualified, and discreet professionals, who value the confidentiality and unique individual needs of our clients. Breakthrough Psychological Solutions provides services to include: Corporate stress assessment and crisis intervention; Leadership and influence...

Sharon Middleton McGinnis

Birmingham

Alabama

Everyone has felt the pain of betrayal, guilt, shame, rejection, and discouragement. Life and family interactions present challenges. You and your family are unique; but the issues and challenges you face are shared by others. We're human. We need to feel loved and supported. We need to enjoy life! But sometimes, life gets in the way. I am here to help you and your family successfully manage an...
Individuals often seek counseling because they are ready for, thinking about, or instructed to make changes or address some life issues that seem to have a hold on them and they aren't quite sure how to handle them or sometimes not even sure if they want to handle them. Counseling can help you become the change you wish to see, weigh the pros and cons to making changes, develop new coping...
My approach to therapy is to respect each individual as a whole person. I believe each person knows himself or herself best. Loss of jobs, relationships, chemical addiction, life transitions, trauma, abuse and the stress of day to day living come with an array of thoughts and emotions, which at some points in our lives can become overwhelming. We start to feel like nothing can get better, and...

Joshua Stanley

Orlando

Florida

Hi there! I'm Dr. Josh Stanley, and I want to thank you for stopping by my page. It's no secret; life can be hard! Perhaps you're struggling in your relationship, facing a tough time at work or school, struggling to find your passion, or trying to better understand yourself and what you want out of life. Finding solutions can be challenging, especially when we're in the midst of a stressful...

Ewa M Bruce

New York

New York

People search for emotional comfort as they successfully cope with life challenges and struggle to find mental comfort, when they are faced with life complications or chronic, long lasting problems. Coping skills, level of adjustment to unexpected changes in life or going through the process of different life stages varies from person to person. In the process of therapy, I have clients develop...

Aaliyah El-Amin-Turner

Rochester

New York

Welcome to my practice! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The decision to engage in psychotherapy is not always an easy one. Making your mental health a priority is the first step. It is my belief that therapy is a process of self-exploration. I offer an individualized, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to meet...
Are you facing unexpected obstacles in your life? You are not alone. Changes and challenges can make you feel overwhelmed, or anxious, or even confused. Not just generally, but in relationships, in your family, in your parenting, and even in your personal choices. I can help you. We will work to remove the uncertainty and establish new possibilities for you and/or family, with clearer choices. ...

Karen Rasmussen

New York

New York

Addictions, distorted and/or negative thinking patterns can take a serious toll on one's mental health, leading to increased depression, stress, anxiety and declining physical health. These thought patterns can be changed and addictions eliminated so that you can live your best life. I provide a safe, confidential and supportive environment, where with the right treatment and guidance, I will h...