Reality Theory and its applications in a therapeutic modality

Presentation to review choice theory and practice of related therapy

1. Reality Counseling Theory & Practice

2. Choice Theory & Reality Therapy Choice Theory Basis for reality therapy Explains why and how we function Reality Therapy Provides a delivery system for helping individuals take more effective control of their lives

3. Total Behavior All behavior is made up of four inseparable yet distinct components: Acting: active behaviors Thinking: thoughts, self-statements Feeling: anger, joy, pain, anxiety Physiology: bodily reactions Choice theory emphasizes acting and thinking

4. Our Quality World Our visions of specific people, activities, events, beliefs and situations that will fulfill our needs Picture album: our specific wants and ways to satisfy them

5. Rea lity Therapy Reality Therapists believe the underlying problem for most clients is: They are either involved in a present unsatisfying relationship or lack what could be called a relationship Problems caused by: inability to connect, get close to others, or have a satisfying/successful relationship Few clients understand that their unhappiness is a result from the way they choose to behave

6. Characteristics of Reality Therapy Emphasize choice and responsibility Reject transference Keep therapy in the present Avoid focusing on symptoms Challenge traditional views of mental illness

7. Therapeutic Goals Help clients: get connected o r reconnected with the people they have chosen to put in their quality world learn better ways of fulfilling their needs make more effective and responsible choices related to their wants and needs

8. Therapist’s Role Teach clients to engage in self evaluation Challenge clients to examine what they are doing Assist clients in evaluating their own: Behavioral direction Specific actions Wants Perceptions Level of commitment Possibilities for new directions Action plans Convey the idea that no matter how bad things get, there is always hope.

9. Client‘s Experience Not expected to backtrack into the past or get sidetracked into talking about symptoms Emphasis on actions Expect to experience urgency

10. Relationship Between Therapist and Client Understanding and supportive relationship Client must perceive therapist as skilled and knowledgeable Therapist must have these qualities : Warmth Sincerity Congruence Understanding Acceptance Concern Respect Openness Willingness to be challenged

11. Procedures and Techniques Cycle of Counseling Creating the counseling environment Implementing specific procedures that lead to changes in behavior The student manual: describes coaching, managing, supervising, and parenting highlights issues and tasks to be accomplished throughout the cycle of counseling

12. Procedures That Lead to Change: “WDEP” W ants= What are your desires and what do you want to do? D oing & Direction= What are you doing, Where are you planning to go? E valuation= Is your current actions reflecting on what it is that you are wanting? P lanning= Planning for change; “ SAMIC” Simple, Attainable, Measureable, Immediate & Involved, Control

13. Group Counseling Group Leaders and individual members work together to set up a guide to success with a good thorough plan for their goals to carry out. While in groups, members should began corresponding action to the new material of behavior that should draw them near to their ambitions of life. The group leaders should accost members to test themselves on their actions to verify if their current actions follow up as planned to test if the plan is working for them.

14. Strengths from a Diversity Perspective Reality therapists show their respect for their clients’ cultural values by assisting them to discover how gratifying their current behavior is towards themselves and to others Out of respect for the clients reality therapists show their decency to their clients from depicting what behaviors should concede to change Using this method of focus the thought process of their actions compared to choosing emotional feelings, the outcomes of clients are less likely to exhibit refusal to the counseling

15. Limitations From a Diversity Perspective Reality therapy provides only select attention to assisting people to accost environmental and social issues There is a red flag that some reality therapists may overstate the ability of clients to take action of their lives and focus on systemic and environmental factors that can limit the potential for choice Some clients are on edge when it comes to directly verbally express what they need