Reality Theory Techniques and Procedures

Main techniques of Reality Therapy: Reality Therapy uses the WDEP system (Wants, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning) to help clients identify their needs, assess their current behaviors, evaluate their effectiveness, and create plans for positive change, focusing on the present and future rather than the past.

• • 1. WDEP System:

       • Wants: Exploring what the client wants or needs in their life, focusing on their desires and goals. 

       • Doing: Examining what the client is currently doing to meet those wants and needs, including their thoughts, feelings, and actions. 

       • Evaluation: Evaluating whether the client's current actions are helping them achieve their goals or are hindering their progress, focusing on effectiveness and consequences. 

       • Planning: Developing concrete plans and strategies for changing behaviors and achieving goals, emphasizing responsibility and accountability. 

    2. Focus on the Present and Future:
       Reality therapy emphasizes addressing current behaviors and situations rather than dwelling on past experiences, aiming to help clients make positive changes in the present and future. 

    3. Self-Evaluation and Accountability:
       Clients are encouraged to take responsibility for their choices and actions, rather than blaming others or making excuses for their behavior. 

    4. Action Planning:
       Therapists help clients create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) action plans to achieve their goals, focusing on concrete steps and strategies. 

    5. Reality Testing:
       Clients are encouraged to test the validity of their beliefs and assumptions about themselves and others, promoting a more realistic and objective perspective. 

    6. Behavioral Rehearsal:
       Clients practice new behaviors and strategies in a safe and supportive environment, building confidence and skills for making positive changes. 

    7. Building Therapeutic Relationship:
       A strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and client is crucial for successful therapy, fostering collaboration and motivation. 

One Reality Therapy technique/procedure I want to practice: Action Planning

This process is all about helping clients design specific and realistic plans that allow them to take charge of their lives and make positive choices. Instead of dwelling on the past or outside factors, we focus on actionable steps that truly reflect their needs and values.

Role of the counselor (e.g., counselor characteristics/behaviors):

1. Focus on the Present and Future:
   Reality Therapy emphasizes the present and future, encouraging clients to focus on their current actions and how they can make choices that lead to more fulfilling lives. 

2. Identifying Needs and Behaviors:
   Counselors help clients identify their unmet needs and how their current behaviors are or are not meeting those needs. 

3. Taking Responsibility:
   Reality Therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, encouraging clients to take ownership of their choices and actions. 

4. Developing Action Plans:
   Counselors assist clients in developing concrete plans for changing their behaviors and making more effective choices. 

5. Avoiding Blame and Criticism:
   Counselors avoid blaming, criticizing, or judging clients, instead focusing on understanding their perspectives and supporting their efforts to change. 

6. Promoting Self-Evaluation:
   Counselors encourage clients to evaluate their own behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors. 

7. Supporting Client Growth:
   The counselor acts as a facilitator, supporting the client's journey towards self-understanding and positive change. 

8. Avoiding Past Focus:
   Reality Therapy generally avoids delving into the past, as it emphasizes that present behaviors are the result of current choices, not past experiences. 

9. Focusing on Relationships:
   Reality Therapy recognizes that people's relationships are crucial and that unsatisfying relationships can lead to problems. 

10. Using the WDEP Model:
    Counselors often use the WDEP model (Wants, Directions, Evaluations, and Planning) to guide clients through the therapy process. 

11. Basic Needs:
    Reality Therapy recognizes five basic human needs: power/self-worth, belonging, freedom, fun, and survival. 

12. Choice Theory:
    Reality Therapy is based on Choice Theory, which states that people are motivated to fulfill their needs and that they choose their behaviors.