HMS 205 – Reality Therapy

Dr. Pemberton

Reality Therapy Basic Beliefs

Emphasis is on responsibility Therapist’s function is to keep therapy

focused on the present We often mistakenly choose misery in our

best attempt to meet our needs We act responsibly when we meet our needs

without keeping others from meeting their needs

Basic Needs All internally motivated behavior is geared

toward meeting one or more of our basic human needs Belonging Power Freedom Fun Survival (Physiological needs)

Our brain functions as a control system to get us what we want – quality world

Quality World

The world we would like to live in Completely based upon needs Picture album People are most important component Therapist must be kind of person that the

client want to have in this world

Explanation of Behavior

All we ever do is behave – what have we ever done that is not a ‘behavior’?

Total behavior = Acting Thinking Feeling Physiology

Must focus on verb forms (depressing vs. depressed Behavior is person’s best effort to get needs met

Characteristics of Reality Therapy Don’t focus on ineffective behavior

Complaining, blaming, criticizing, etc Emphasize Responsibility and Choice

Focus on areas of choice Reject Transference

Must be who we are as therapist Stay in present

Not victims of past unless we choose to be Can reflect on successes

Characteristics

No talk of symptoms Don’t let past ‘protect’ client from present Focusing on symptoms does the same These are ways our bodies tell us to make

different decisions Challenge traditional views

Psychiatry can be hazardous Glasser does not agree with DSM Never use medication

Process

Goals Help client “get connected” w/ people in QW Find better ways to fulfill all needs

Therapist’s Function and Role Create a good relationship Teach clients to self-evaluate There is hope Keep focused on present Counselor must have certain characteristics and

be a mentor

Procedures That Lead to Change:The “WDEP” SystemW Wants:

What do you want to be and do? Your “picture album”

D Doing and Direction:

What are you doing? Where do you want to go?

E Evaluation:

Does your present behavior have a reasonable chance of getting you what you want?

P Planning – “SAMIC”

Planning For Change

S Simple: Easy to understand, specific and concrete

A Attainable: Within the capacities and motivation of the client

M Measurable:Are the changes observable and helpful?

I Immediate & Involved: What can be done today? What can you do?

C Controlled: Can you do this by yourself or will you be dependent on others?

Total BehaviorOur Best Attempt to Satisfy Our Needs DOING ~ active behaviors

THINKING ~ thoughts, self-statements

FEELINGS ~ anger, joy, pain, anxiety

PHYSIOLOGY ~ bodily reactions