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

I have been married for 12 years and have three adult stepchildren, a granddaughter, and a son-in-law. (Our family also includes three fur babies, a cat and two granddogs.) The spirit of family is something that has grown and valued over the years. We have found beauty in a family unit that now includes an extended family of exes and in-laws to celebrate holidays and special events. My life...
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Life can be brutal, can't it?! Can you remember that time in life when you were happy, like top of the world scream it from the rooftops happy? In that moment, everything was right in your world and then well, life happened. Now you look back and have so many questions...What happened? Let me tell you, you are not alone! We've all been there in some season of life. But who says this can't make ...

Louise D Hall

Oakland

California

I hold a relational lens in my practice, focused on one's relationship with others, and relationship with one's true self. Learning to shift from surviving to "living", can set you on a rewarding journey of healing. I hold a strong cultural lens in my practice, viewing behaviors and trauma through the foundation of culture. Cultural identities impact how we all walk through the world, and how w...

Kafilat O Oseni

Atlanta

Georgia

The demands of life can become overwhelming and even hard to manage alone. Stress related to work or school, struggling to maintain healthy relationships, or even experienced trauma can lead to increased anxiety, depression, or difficulty coping with life’s demand. My goal as your counselor is to co-create with you the life that you are wanting to achieve, while helping you to live your best li...
We are here to thrive, not just survive. As a licensed therapist, Shamanic practitioner and former bodyworker, I am here to help the soul searchers, truth seekers, and those on a quest to rediscover their authentic selves towards overall health and healing. I will support you on your journey to shed the layers of fear, shame, trauma and pain. I will help you on your spiritual or self healing...
I'm a National Board Certified, Licensed Professional Counselor. I treat clients for depression, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem and anger issues, post traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD), sexual trauma, career and life coaching. I use an integrated theoretical approach that includes Cognitive Behavior and Existential Therapy. I use an empathic and individualized approach to help my clients. ...

Anne Warwick Landry

Knoxville

Tennessee

Now accepting new patients. Sliding scale. Evening and weekend appointments available! I come from a non-judgements approach and have years of experience working with children and teens in outpatient and inpatient settings. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Motivational Therapy and ma...

Thomas B Wilkinson

Cincinnati

Ohio

Thinking and feeling in ways that allow you to engage your daily life, others, and your personal goals with energy, creativity, and effectiveness is the thrust of my approach and practice. Identifying patterns that restrict cognitive and behavioral functioning, preventing understanding and integration of personal and interpersonal dynamics is a key focus. Increasing self awareness and...
Are you a parent struggling with a teen going to school, getting out of bed in the morning or isolating themselves from others? Is your teen exhibiting aggressive behaviors, flashbacks of situation to which he or she refuses to speak about or says "you don't understand how they are feeling"? Are you worried about changes in their personality and how it might get worse? Are you blaming yourself ...

Stephanie C

Minneapolis

Minnesota

Considering therapy is a courageous step. If you are struggling therapy can help. Together we can find a new approach and a different lens to see your experiences through. I can help you understand your thoughts, redefine your emotions and create meaning in your life. Evening and weekend appointments offered. My specialties include: depression, anxiety, purpose/identity, grief /loss and...
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