Glasser's Reality Theory
Glasser’s Reality Theory
Introduction to Counseling: COUN 541
Portland State University While everyone would love to believe that they have a choice in how they behave it is apparent that is not always true. There are many factors to one’s behavior and all of those factors must be considered in a therapy situation. Glasser’s Reality/Choice Theory focuses on the idea that we are all in control of our decisions and our behavior, all human behavior is purposeful, and all of our behavior is aimed at meeting five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. There are few benefits to this theory of thought. With the creation of Choice Theory, Glasser explains that all behavior comes from within and the actions we choose are chosen because we believe it to be the best for our needs at that specific moment. With the behavior being our own choice, we must also accept the consequences of the behavior. I am a strong believer that all actions have consequences, positive or negative and as long as people are willing to accept these consequences then they should be able to justify the action. The benefit to this theory is the idea that people can accept the choices they have made in life, and be able to move on without regret. “According to Glasser, individuals are motivated to change when they are convinced that their present behavior is not getting them what they want and also when they believe they can choose other behaviors that will get them closer to what they want” (Mason & Duba, Using Reality Therapy in Schools, Fall 2009). In theory, Reality therapy empowers the client by accentuating the individual’s power of doing what is within their control to do while ignoring what is not. While I appreciate the concept of focusing on the present and having patients accept all of the consequences of their behavior, I do not think it is always realistic in a therapeutic situation. People often have a difficult time taking responsibility for
Introduction to Counseling: COUN 541
Portland State University While everyone would love to believe that they have a choice in how they behave it is apparent that is not always true. There are many factors to one’s behavior and all of those factors must be considered in a therapy situation. Glasser’s Reality/Choice Theory focuses on the idea that we are all in control of our decisions and our behavior, all human behavior is purposeful, and all of our behavior is aimed at meeting five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. There are few benefits to this theory of thought. With the creation of Choice Theory, Glasser explains that all behavior comes from within and the actions we choose are chosen because we believe it to be the best for our needs at that specific moment. With the behavior being our own choice, we must also accept the consequences of the behavior. I am a strong believer that all actions have consequences, positive or negative and as long as people are willing to accept these consequences then they should be able to justify the action. The benefit to this theory is the idea that people can accept the choices they have made in life, and be able to move on without regret. “According to Glasser, individuals are motivated to change when they are convinced that their present behavior is not getting them what they want and also when they believe they can choose other behaviors that will get them closer to what they want” (Mason & Duba, Using Reality Therapy in Schools, Fall 2009). In theory, Reality therapy empowers the client by accentuating the individual’s power of doing what is within their control to do while ignoring what is not. While I appreciate the concept of focusing on the present and having patients accept all of the consequences of their behavior, I do not think it is always realistic in a therapeutic situation. People often have a difficult time taking responsibility for
References: Mason, C.P., Duba J.D., (2009). Using Reality Therapy in Schools. Counseling and Student Affairs Faculty Publications. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 29 (2), 5-12. Ridgeway, I.R., (2007). Reality Therapy: William Glasser. (Unpublished Doctorial Dissertation) Tabor College, Melbourne. McGrath, E., (2001). Recovering from Trauma. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200308/recovering-trauma A Comparative analysis of Person Centered Therapy and Choice Theory / Reality Therapy. Retrieved from http://dbspin.com/content/academic/theory.pdf Nystul, M.S. (2011). Introduction to Counseling An Art and Science Perspective, 240-243.