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

Hey there! My name is Sarah Thompson. I have 19 + years of experience in the mental health field, working in many different roles. My education includes a Bachelor's of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice/ Minoring in Sociology. I hold a Master's of Applied Science degree in Mental Health Counseling. I also hold both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC.) certification and a Licensed...

Virginia Cox Evans

Louisville

Kentucky

For over 30 years I have been treating depression, anxiety & addictions with a specialty in eating disorders. I'm a founding fellow for The Academy of Cognitive Therapy and also integrate other strategies in helping my patients actualize their full potential. I provide individual, marital, family, and group therapy. From adolescence to later life years, I help clients improve their physical,...
We are Cobb County's #1 choice for your mental and behavioral health needs.Our clientele base vary from many different areas of the mental and behavioral health spectrum. We specialize in Anger Management, Couples Conflict, Family Conflict, Personal Growth, Counseling, Work Place Conflict and More. Our Cognitive and Behavioral approaches are geared to dive right into the root cause of the issue...
I am a mental health counselor and a university administrator. My 10 years of experience in student affairs, with special emphases in diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ+ and sexual assault survivor advocacy have helped guide my work in mental health. I use an integrative approach to therapy that is crafted around each individual in a safe, empathetic and supportive space. It’s of paramount importan...
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Ohio with certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I received my MSSA from Case Western Reserve University. I have experience working with at-risk adults who are living with severe mental illness in both agency and community settings. My areas of expertise include: moderate to severe mood and behavioral disorders, trauma-related disorders,...
I have been in private practice since 2005. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, brief solution therapy, mood disorders, behavior modification, anxiety, personality disorders, grief & loss, addiction, postpartum issues, divorce/blended families, & also have a therapy dog for those that may be fearful of starting therapy or have difficulty engaging in sessions....
Although we share many commonalities, humans are quite complex and unique - I help Clients discover who they are, who they want to be and how to work towards improving their life experience on the journey toward becoming their best self. At this time I am not accepting new Clients; please see our practice website to connect with another therapist. Soy un hablante nativo de Español. Trabajaremos...
Life has more than enough obstacles, challenges and events that leave us with wounds. And, while we have family and friends that try to be of help, often we don't get the best, unbiased advice. Counselors are the friendly ear, the non-judgmental person, with a broad perspective to help you get through those times when life gets difficult. Transitions such as marriage or divorce, or the loss of...

Fruitful Conversations

Wilmington

Delaware

Our lives are lived in relationship and I want to help clients build or rebuild healthy, resilient relationships--at home, at work, and wherever you engage people you care about. Relationship issues include parenting education, blended families, sexuality, and spirituality. I work with individuals, couples, and families. In many cases I use cognitive therapy to address depression and anger...

Russell Johnson

Tucson

Arizona

I like working with individuals with a wide array of problems including: depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, relationship problems, behavioral disorders, substance abuse, impulse control problems, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, family problems, life skills deficits, and problems with decision-making. I have an eclectic approach and I am skilled at cognitive-behavioral therapy, interperso...

Richard Campa

Austin

Texas

Psychotherapy is most commonly sought in response to pain caused by symptoms such as depression, anxiety, compulsions, relationship troubles, low self-esteem, and dissociation. Many people are surprised to learn that symptoms point the way to emotional skills that are yet to be sufficiently developed. Developing these skills occurs as we shift our orientation to exploring experience rather than...

Kathy Norakate Vilas

Baton Rouge

Louisiana

**My caseload is full with no availability at this time." Let’s start with a chat to see how I can help you move forward to a brighter future. If you are experiencing the feelings of loss, pain, grief or a life transition, I can assist you in moving forward. It’s been my privilege to help people work thru some of the most difficult times of their lives, times of heartache, inconsolable grief,...
Therapy takes Strength and Courage and I am here to help you take the first step. Hi, my name is Stephanie Hickman and I have a huge passion for empowering others and teaching them vital skills to navigate through life successfully. I offer evidence Based treatment services to help you learn how to manage the stressors of everyday life, relationships, and difficult situations. I am an...

Kisha Choice

Tampa

Florida

I believe emotional well- being and healthy relationships are essential for individuals, couples, and families to reach their greatest potential. I provide the highest quality clinical services in a supportive and professional environment. At First Choice Counseling & Wellness Center, clients can expect to receive a warm welcome followed by a thorough screening designed to identify the symptoms...
I hold a personnel belief that the client needs to tell their story, feel safe in doing so, and form a bond of trust with their therapist. I have worked in mental health for 13 years. My background started in Criminal Justice. My first Masters degree is in this field, and continued to a Maters in Counseling. There was always one comon thread. They were broken. A broken person loses trust, in bo...