Reality therapy is an approach to counseling developed by Dr. William Glasser in the 1960s. The method is based on Choice Theory, which centers on the principle that no matter what has happened to us, or what we have done in the past, we live in the present and choose our behavior here and now. Also, according to the theory, dissatisfying or non-existent relationships with others are the active ingredient when it comes to most psychological problems. The focus is on developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, as well as on accepting personal responsibility for one’s behavior and making better choices. The past is seen as the source of our needs and of our ways of behaving, but discussion stays related to the present as much as possible, as the key issues for a person are rooted in current relationship problems. All human beings do is behave, and all behavior is “Total Behavior.” Total Behavior is made up of four components: acting, thinking, feeling and physiology. We are at all times trying to get our needs met, and these needs are classified under the following categories: Power, Love & Belonging, Freedom, Fun, and Survival. Maladaptive strategies for getting what one needs (or “wants”) are identified, and corrections (“workable plans”) are sought.
In reality therapy sessions, the person’s thoughts and actions are considered the most appropriate material to actively work on, as these are within a person’s control, rather than feelings or symptoms, which are affected by changes in made in the relevant thoughts and actions. Blame and externalizing control are avoided, as these are viewed as impediments to developing healthy relationships. Regardless of the particular complaint, the best possible solution lies in improving connections with others, and specific changes in thoughts and behavior are made in the service of this goal.