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
My goal as a licensed professional counselor is to assist clients in fostering positive, sustainable self-growth within a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to establish achievable goals, while providing support in understanding the thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to the issues they are experiencing in life. I have ove...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that follows a strength-based, client-centered approach. As a therapist, I believe it is important to be genuine in all aspects, while being able to utilize an eclectic approach in order to fit the needs of those seeking guidance. After graduating from Marywood University with a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I worked in both outpatie...
To support and assist during these uncertain times, I am offering reduced-fee telehealth sessions. This is a great opportunity to begin working towards those goals for a more fulfilling life. I strive in creating a safe space where you can be honest and open with yourself; and where you can learn to show that to the world. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the value of finding a...
I am an extensively trained and culturally-competent Marriage and Family Therapist. For the past 15 years, I have worked with individuals facing a broad range of emotional, mental health challenges as well as psycho social stressors. I am highly committed to assisting my client population reach their desired goals, by way of establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, communication styl...
You deserve joy. You deserve peace. You deserve to live your best life and enjoy it to the fullest. At times, life’s circumstances can hinder you from living to your fullest potential. I understand this and am more than willing to help. I am passionate about mental health and the power that lies within the therapeutic relationship. The belief that every client possesses all of the answers and...
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been practicing in the mental health field for 8 years. I have worked with adults who have co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Health concerns, HIV/AIDS, Probation/Parole. I have extensive experience with teenagers who have behavioral problems, mental health issue, and attachment dysfunction. My primary focus has been on helping youth negotiate...
I am passionate about providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I enjoy working with diverse cultural backgrounds, all sexual orientations and gender, and advocating for clients. I use an integrative treatment pulling from Humanistic, Systems, Trauma-Informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while incorporating expressive therapy techniques. I believe you a...
I have always had a passion for serving others and decided to return to school after having children of my own, to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. I graduated from Fordham University and became a counselor in a residential program where I worked with clients who were struggling with a myriad of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance abuse. I provided both individ...
Life brings challenges… sometimes all at once. We may not be able to control what or when things happen but there are tools that can help us make it through those challenges successfully. You (or your child) may be looking for a safe space to process your thoughts and feelings or to develop new behaviors in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Therapy gives us an opportunity to learn, grow...
Are you spinning your wheels? Have you tried, again and again, to just get this thing called life to work for you, but nothing seems to stick? I've been there, and I get it. Our lives are the stories of our being in the world, and I work with individuals, couples, and families to look at the big picture of the story of YOUR life. We will explore not only the “how” of your life and the challenge...
Life can be hard and unfair from time to time. My desire is to provide the skills, clarity and a sense of control when life is turned upside down. Counseling is not just a job for me but, a passion. I enjoy helping those who are ready to move forward but may not know how or feel like they are unable. Each person is different, and I enjoy the challenge of working through what seems like impossib...
Life can feel out of control when you’re managing school, work, daily responsibilities and relationships. As a licensed clinical social worker, I use my clinical experience and training to help you feel more in control. I work with children, adolescents and adults and address a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, interpersonal issues and life transitions. I have...
Often men find it difficult to identify their emotions or are unable to translate their emotional experiences into words. I can teach you to learn behaviors and skills to allow you to better express emotions such as vulnerability, intimacy struggles, and perceived weakness. It is very important to most men to feel they are respected and appreciated. Men need a safe place to express their feelin...
I am a believer in the human experience and normalizing the suffering that is a part of that experience. I do not take a pathological approach to individuals' mental health. I believe you will suffer within your lifetime and that we can work together to build your capacity for resilience. That being said I understand that some individuals have a chemical imbalance, or may experience psychosis i...
Resurface itself is a family of licensed, certified, and highly skilled individuals with decades of experience treating addiction and mental illness. Our mission is to deliver alternative solutions to people battling addiction and mental illness—people who have lost their sense of hope or meaning. With innovative approaches and proven clinical techniques we inspire even the most complex...