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
I’m a reality-based therapist who specializes in CBT, using ACT & DBT techniques in practice. I have 20 years experience working in both individual & group settings with children & families. I specialize in helping my clients to become self-aware & regulate their emotions and learn strategies to improve self management. In helping clients to recognize their struggles & take ownership of what ne...
I have over fifteen years of experience providing counseling for children (ages six and older), teens, and adults. I have worked with individuals experiencing addiction and substance abuse along with those struggling with anxiety, depressing, relationship difficulties and trauma. It is important for everyone to have a listening ear or someone to assist them in making healthy and positive choice...
Val Gurule-Duran is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Addictions Counselor III (CACIII) who is Certified in EMDR, NADA Acudetox, and is an Integrative Energy Therapist (IET). Val is known for being an exemplary therapist and is sought out by individuals who are seeking to heal and recover from addictions, trauma, depression, and grief. Val is highly recommended by her peers and...
I am a Change Agent believing we as people possess limitless possibilities to have the lives and relationships we dream of if only we have the skills. Many times we possess the answers to our own questions and it just takes a new perspective to see them. I love to help others find the way to happiness. I believe the therapeutic relationship should be a team approach lead by the client. I would...
My approach to therapy involves creating a collaborative, non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I strive to create a supportive environment to help my clients develop a healthy level of functioning, leading to renewed hope and happiness. I work with adults with substance use disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, emotional regulation, an...
I believe that we are capable of making positive and constructive changes in our lives. A therapeutic relationship can help individuals develop strategies to cope with the stress of life's changes and challenges. A positive therapeutic relationship that is collaborative between the therapist and client is key to successful therapy. My approach is client centered and focuses on an individuals'...
With thirty years experience with children, adolescents & adults in hospitals, outpatient, group homes, jails, schools, shelters, MAT, & many court ordered assessments, I specialize in treating substance abuse, dual diagnosis, women, children from DV, & teens with difficult family issues. Using a variety of theoretical approaches & therapies, I focus on individualizing treatment goals to meet...
I work with clients with various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD to help them understand their symptoms as well as resolving relationship issues, family conflict, and working through the pain of grief/loss. I am committed to helping my clients reach their full potential by providing them the tools necessary to gain insight, problem solve, and heal in order to become the...
"I became a psychotherapist because that's where people will unburden themselves, where they will show what is in their hearts." I have had the opportunity to meet individuals from all different walks of life, and bear witness to their own personal life stories. I enjoy celebrating along side individuals during their personal victories, as well as comforting and guiding them as they travel thro...
I'm both an LPC and LMFT who enjoys helping people of all ages and stages including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. The goal of my therapy is build trust and a working alliance so together we process unresolved issues and replace present behaviors, emotions and thoughts causing distress with more effective coping and ways of being that empower you to live the life you've...
Do you feel like you’re never going to be free? Like you can’t shake the voices and insecurities that you live in? Do you want to let go of the patterns and beliefs that you have lived in for years? I would love to help you experience freedom in your life and to truly love who you are. I provide a safe place where you can share about your hurts and pains and talk through any dynamics in your li...
My passion is working with individuals who are struggling with addiction, trauma, relationships, and attachment. I believe that it is every person's goal to feel more connected and attached to people in their life. I am currently licensed in the state of Colorado as a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and as a LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) as well. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Moveme...
I am a guide for a person or system seeking truth and peace who may be in the dark as to what blocks them in their journey. The guidance involves improving self awareness to identify needs, and helping an individual or system learn and practice skills to move towards fulfillment or those needs. I present without judgment with focus on strengths and awareness development. I bring a positive and...
Client focused and humanistic practice committed to development, personal growth, and self determination in a rapidly evolving world. Can accommodate most client's needs in a timely manner. Most insurances accepted....
I help individuals, couples, and families adjust through difficult transitional times in life. Emotional pain such as the task of grieving, relational distress and conflict, environmental adjustments, depression and anxiety can overwhelm us at times and give us feelings of desperation, loneliness, frustration, hurt, and confusion. These situations can become disruptive to our personal ideals of...