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
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I am a counselor with wide-ranging experience offering in-person and online counseling. My life’s passion is helping teens and young adults to reclaim their emotional wellbeing and strengthen their relationships. Working on feeling connected, at peace, safe, and supported have proven to be cornerstones to lasting change and healthier living. I work with individuals and families and specialize i...
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As we move through our lives, we often find ourselves having to cope with different situations, people, emotions, or thoughts. This is especially true right now as our lives have been turned upside down. Whatever it is you find yourself struggling with, I am here to help. I work with my clients to create a comfortable, non-judgmental, and safe environment to openly discuss the issues they may b...
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I work with couples, including couples dealing with the trauma of affairs. I also work with couples that struggle with conflict, communication, and parenting issues, as well as individuals struggling with various issues such as depression and anxiety. I work with teens and children through various situations, with children much of the therapy is parenting work. Please note that the insurances...
