Basics of Reality Theory

Founder/developer(s) of the theory: William Glasser & Robert Wubbolding

Summary of the key concepts and therapeutic process: The method involves evaluating your current actions, how well they're satisfying your needs, and planning new actions that will meet those needs. Reality therapy states that present behavior and actions aren't influenced by the past. Instead, it claims that current behavior is determined by the present unmet needs.  

Key Concepts of REBT: 

1. Personal Responsibility: Reality Therapy posits that individuals are responsible for their own choices and actions, and therefore their problems. 

2. Present Focus: The therapy emphasizes the present and future, rather than dwelling on the past. 

3. Choice Theory: Glasser's Choice Theory suggests that all behavior is a choice made to satisfy basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. 

4. Unconscious Motivations: Reality Therapy rejects the concept of unconscious drives as explanations for behavior, focusing instead on conscious choices. 

5. No Mental Illness: Reality Therapy does not accept the concept of mental illness, instead viewing psychological distress as a result of unmet needs and poor choices. 

6. The WDEP Model: This model serves as a framework for the therapeutic process, with W standing for Wants, D for Doing, E for Evaluation, and P for Planning.  

Therapeutic Process of CBT:

1. Establish Rapport and Trust: The therapist creates a supportive and accepting environment where the client feels safe to explore their thoughts and feelings. 

2. Identify Wants and Needs: The therapist helps the client identify their unmet needs and what they truly want in their lives. 

3. Explore Behaviors: The therapist assists the client in examining their current behaviors and how they are or are not helping them meet their needs. 

4. Evaluate Behaviors: The client evaluates whether their current behaviors are effective in achieving their wants and goals. 

5. Plan for Change: The therapist helps the client develop a plan for changing behaviors that are not working and implementing new, more effective ones. 

6. Commitment and Action: The client commits to implementing their plan and takes action to achieve their goals. 

7. Celebrate Success: The therapist acknowledges and celebrates the client's progress and successes. 

Important aspects of Reality Theory: Reality Theory, also known as Choice Theory, posits that individuals are driven by five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun, and that all behavior is a choice aimed at fulfilling these needs.  

1. Five Basic Needs:
   Reality Theory identifies five fundamental needs that humans strive to fulfill: 

   1. Survival: This encompasses basic needs like food, water, shelter, and safety. 

   2. Love and Belonging: The need for connection, relationships, and a sense of community. 

   3. Power: The need for competence, achievement, and a sense of self-worth. 

   4. Freedom: The need for autonomy, independence, and the ability to make choices. 

   5. Fun: The need for enjoyment, pleasure, and satisfaction. 

2. Behavior as Choice:
   Reality Theory emphasizes that all behavior is a choice, and people choose how to behave based on what they believe will best satisfy their needs. 

3. Focus on the Present:
   Reality Theory emphasizes the "here and now" and focuses on current behavior and actions, rather than dwelling on the past. 

4. Responsibility:
   Reality Therapy emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability for one's choices and actions. 

5. WDEP Model:
   Reality Therapy uses the WDEP model as a framework for helping clients explore their needs and make changes in their lives. 

   1. W: Wants (What do you want?)

   2. D: Direction and Doing (What are you doing to get what you want?)

   3. E: Evaluation (Is it working?)

   4. P: Planning (What do you plan to do differently?)

Core Principes of Reality Therapy:

1. Focus on Present Behavior:
   Reality Therapy emphasizes that current behavior is determined by present needs and choices, not past experiences. 

2. Responsibility:
   Clients are held responsible for their choices and behaviors, rather than blaming external factors. 

3. Basic Needs:
   Reality Therapy posits that all human behavior is driven by the need to fulfill five basic psychological needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. 

4. WDEP Model:
   Reality Therapy utilizes the WDEP model to help individuals understand and change their behavior: Wants, Direction, Evaluation, and Planning. 

Reality Therapy goals: The goals of reality therapy are to help clients improve their relationships, make better choices, and achieve their goals.

• 1. 1. Reconnect with others: Help clients reconnect with others, including their therapist 

     2. Make better choices: Help clients make better choices to achieve their goals 

     3. Improve relationships: Help clients improve their relationships with others 

     4. Set goals: Help clients set goals and make plans to achieve them 

     5. Evaluate behavior: Help clients evaluate their behavior and identify areas for change