What is Reality Therapy?

Home » Treatment Therapies » Reality Therapy » Page 8

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

Heather Hayden

Wichita

Kansas

Do you feel like all the pieces are falling apart? Have life transitions caused you to feel completely unsteady? Are you experiencing an inner battle where who you are and who you wish to be, are in conflict? Do you carry shame, trauma, and secrets so deeply and feel unsafe exploring and healing these parts? Do you live an alternative lifestyle (LGBTQIA, Poly, Kink, BDSM) and do not know where ...
As a Behavioral Specialist, with 15+ years experience, I have an extensive background in working with children, adolescents, and families facing a range of stressors from mild relationship conflict to more intense mental health symptom management. Children and adolescents are provided with a detailed assessment to determine the function of the behavior while parents are provided with positive...

Melissa Goldberg

New York

New York

*ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS FOR WEEKEND HOURS* I believe that therapy should provide a space for exploration - free of judgement, criticism, and expectations - and is most successful when built on a trusting and collaborative relationship. I firmly believe that you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support you in seeking the solutions to your unique struggles. I practice Cognitive...

Robyn Teresa Buschini

New York

New York

Does life have you feeling anxious? Depressed? Overwhelmed? Do you want a way to work through these feelings but you're struggling to identify coping mechanisms to overcome them? If so, I can help you develop these skills, improve self esteem, and improve your outlook on life. I believe that therapy works best when the client directs the session. I graduated from Pace University in 2012 with my...
Reaching out for help can feel intimidating and almost impossible to accomplish. Life brings many challenges that are overwhelming, damaging, stressful, and leave us with feelings of loneliness and helplessness. There is no reason to go through this alone. Together we can confront these obstacles and help you on your way to feelings of comfort, confidence, and the realization that change is...

Heather Dorman

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma

I have worked with clients who have experienced both childhood and adult trauma, addiction, co-dependency, anxiety and depression. Their needs consist of finding new coping skills, learning how to set healthy boundaries, develop assertive communication, process feelings of shame, accountability, support, forgiveness, self-acceptance and compassionate understanding of addictive behaviors. Their...
Hi my name is Sarah Fredrich, I live in Watertown, WI. Married and have 3 grown children and eight grandbabies. I have two step kids. I have been in the Medical field for decades- I have experienced all types of obstables in my life- or shall we say road blocks. I would like to offer my services to whom ever may need it. I come from a big family and lots of uncles and aunts. I have a AS degree ...
I believe mental health is just as important as physical health both are equally deserving of authentic care from a professional throughout one’s life. Delaying or denying treatment will only cause more harm to the individual, their children, & families in a negative way; also, it can alter the mental state of mind & have an undesirable emotional impact on one’s physical health. My professional...
Are you a woman (Cisgender or Transgender+)/Do you identify as a woman? Are you a veteran struggling with issues in civilian life? Are you experiencing challenges as you come-out and attempt to live authentically as LGBTQI+? Are you dealing with acculturation or inclusiveness issues as a member of the Hispanic/Latino (Latinx) community? Are you a caregiver who provides care for a loved one with...
NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Seeking counseling can lead to amazing discovery, personal and professional growth, a deeper understanding of self and provide an overall better quality of life. I appreciate anyone who is willing to reach out and dare to be vulnerable at any time in their life. If you're ready to explore therapy, I would be honored to be a part of your journey. My specialtie...

Jason Edward Abrahamzon

Knoxville

Tennessee

I have over 3 years of experience specializing in the needs of both adolescents and adults in a variety of settings. I have a passion and drive for helping people learn skills and techniques to process their emotions and thoughts, not only inside the session, but outside of the session as well. My training and dedication to the counseling profession brings a level of knowledge and confidence to...

Nancy M Miller

Dallas

Texas

Each person has inherent worth and the capacity to grow toward personal fulfillment. There comes a time when help is needed from a certified professional to cope with many of life's challenges. I recognize the unique challenges of each individual and systems that may exist, and seek to integrate emotions, thoughts, and actions to enable fuller, happier lives. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family...
We all have personal issues like managing anger, depression, suicidal thoughts, aging, effective parenting, self esteem, relational issues, managing stress, or addiction and sometimes facing it alone is quite a challenge. We can work through these challenges together with a positive outcome to build strength in developing a powerful sense of yourself and promoting mental fitness and well being....
Hi, my name is Tammy Vaughn. My clients, whether children or adults, tell me they feel comfortable with me because I'm friendly and relatable. My client centered approach is important to me because I believe that clients must feel heard, understood and helped. After a crisis, my clients often reach out to me again because they need support and to be heard or to create a plan. Some clients have...
Sometimes people come to counseling ready to bare their soul, and some people come to begin the journey towards being vulnerable. Levels of resistance and vulnerability vary, but they are both important to understand for each unique individual. There is hope in every situation. Everyone is on a different path in their journey, and I enjoy being chosen as a part of whatever path on whatever...