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

Cheri Lynn Flow

Birmingham

Alabama

Life is not always easy. Anxiety, depression, addiction, conflict, major life changes such as the death of a loved one, entering college, or divorce, etc., and every day stressors can result in loneliness, anger, compulsiveness, and a feeling of hopelessness. However, therapeutic interventions provided in an atmosphere of acceptance and respect allows individuals to develop new ways to overcome...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 28 years of experience in the field of Social Work. I began as a social worker working in child welfare. I proceeded to work extensively in hospitals, home health, mental health, child welfare, juvenile court, schools, palliative care, hospice, and residential settings; providing case management. I moved to Georgia 10 years ago with my...
I am a Licensed bilingual Psychotherapist with 10 years of experience. I specialize in working with individuals on achieving their goals while living a healthier life and future. Most of my career, I have helped individuals surpass anxiety and depression through meditation, guided imagery and mindfulness. I also work with families/ couples in reconnecting, managing anger management, I have grea...
​Marissa Marx is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master’s of Science in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and 6 years of experience. She is a naturally emotive individual with a passion for guiding clients to finding their best selves....

Caroline Rowlader

Chattanooga

Tennessee

My ideal clients are young adults (ages 18-35 in Chattanooga and Nashville) and also adult individuals in addiction recovery. My clients are navigating new chapters in their lives, including new jobs, dating/marriage relationships, family dynamics, and sobriety. They are motivated for change and open to feedback and alternative perspectives. I've worked with people of all ages through various...
I provide teletherapy or office visits depending on the need. Individual sessions start at $70/session for teletherapy. I have experience/training with trauma, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship/marriage counseling, sexual offenders, DBT, hoarders, and more! The chief complaint I hear from my clients about past therapists is that all they do is sit and listen and they don’...
Accepting New Patients I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am a licensed clinical therapist in Virginia (LSCW) with over 22 years of experience working as a counsel...

Clearfork Academy

Fort Worth

Texas

Clearfork Academy is a Christ-centered recovery community that serves adolescent boys (13-17 years old) entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. We offer a structured and therapeutic environment where teen boys experience freedom from addiction. From the first phone call to discharge, Clearfork Academy delivers the highest quality substance abuse...
Second Chance Counseling Services PLLC (SCCS), tirelessly pursuing innovative solutions and treatments so that we can continue to provide our clients with the most up-to-date services. SCCS practice includes services to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. We specialize in treating depression/mood disorders, ADHD, disruptive/conduct related disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD and other...

Jill Monson

Phoenix

Arizona

I believe it is imperative that we broaden our definition of "trauma." Trauma can be ANYTHING disruptive (in addition to assault, combat, death, etc.). An unhealthy relationship; a break-up; bullying; neglect; a stressful event or period of time are all traumatic. These disruptive experiences influence what we think about ourselves and our world; and they often guide our decisions and...

Hyacinth Wellness Counseling Services

Washington

District of Columbia

Our goal at Hyacinth Wellness is to help clients identify obstacles and understand their needs and strengths to achieve personal growth and success within relationships and life goals. We assess current life circumstances, family and medical history, and the larger social context to promote self-awareness and a collaborative plan of growth and change. Tawana Fenton brings a depth of experience,...
ADOLESCENTS: Teenage years are challenging, and given my experience working with families, I know that sometimes it’s the parents that need to do some adjusting as well as their children. After directing treatment facilities for adolescents as well as Substance Abuse/Mental Health programs for adults, I have dedicated myself to helping others to overcome emotional/behavioral problems and the...
I'm a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor who enjoys helping teens and adults gain a deeper understanding of their resiliency and purpose. I promote clients to gain more self-confidence, a stronger sense of identity, the ability to build healthy interpersonal relationships, and to trust their own decisions. I offer individual, family, and group counseling. My specialty is Cognitive Behavio...

Teri Jackson

Billings

Montana

We are born whole with all we need to live the life of our dreams. Our experiences and interactions with others shape our beliefs about ourselves and the world around us often overshadowing our personal truth and purpose. With support, we can uncover our truth, find out purpose, and return our whole selves. Beginning with your first session, we will explore where you are, how you got here, and...
I know actively seeking therapy and finding a therapist can be overwhelming. You’re making a very important first step in your journey of healing and growth. Our mind is a very powerful organ that deserves to be treated as such. I'm determined to bring clarity to certain aspects of your world, and find the beauty in your rebirth. The lotus flower symbolizes constant rebirth, growing from muddy...