Anna_Truttier_cf_u09a1_TheoryofCounseling-2

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1 U09A1 - Theoretical Analysis and Application: Reality Therapy Anna Truttier COUN 5239 – Theories of Psychotherapy Dr. Kathryn J Miller March 13, 2022

2 Theoretical Analysis and Application: Reality Therapy The world of counseling can’t be explained by one theory alone. However, that does not stop the counselor from choosing a theory that speaks to them and will help assist them throughout their journey as a counselor. A counselor’s theory of choice is their road map to assist them along the way of fulfilling the needs of their clients. Theories are not a one size fits all. It is up to the counselor’s discretion on what behaviors the theory of choice will work best for their client. As the counselor develops their craft and gains more experience they can start to pick from different theories and build up on their knowledge. Theoretical Analysis: Reality Therapy Concepts, Principles, and Assumptions of Reality Therapy William Glasser was behind the ideas of Reality Therapy that began to take shape in 1960. Glasser noted that everyone has five basic needs. These needs include survival, love, belonging, freedom, fun, and power. Individuals whose needs are not met, in their scope of reality, they usually seek out satisfaction through choices they have made; this creates the fulfillment they are look for. Throughout Glasser’s career he noticed that many individuals were miserable with their lives. He specifically observed this cycle while working in a veteran’s hospital. According to Glasser, he began helping veterans to take responsibility for their own problems by interrupting their endless ruminations and asking them instead to look at what they were doing and what results this behavior was producing (Montgomery, 2019). There are a few noteworthy characteristics to this approach that mirror other theoretical approaches. The fact that reality therapy relies on freedom and responsibility connects it to existential theory, because it emphasizes outcomes and their ramifications it mirrors behavioral theory, and finally it is like client centered because the client/ counselor relationship is one of help and acceptance (Montgomery, 2019). Reality Therapy relies profoundly on accountability

3 and self-responsibility. It poses four main questions that put Reality Therapy into action; WDEP: 1. What do you want? 2. What are you doing, and possibly not doing, to get what you say you want? 3. What are the consequences of the choices that you have been making? 4. What would you like to do instead (Montgomery, 2019)? Reality therapy is a unique theory that is also tied to assumptions. These assumptions are a part of our human nature. People are driven to satisfy their needs, motivated by their personal desires, become frustrated when these needs are not met, and behave accordingly to get their needs met (Montgomery, 2019). Personal Philosophies and Views Reality Theory plays into my own perspective and outlook, not only counseling but the human nature of individuals. Like Reality Theory, I believe that we all act according to our given circumstances in life. This includes acquiring certain behaviors that we act out in order to have our needs met. All human behavior moves toward satisfaction of needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun (Lujan, 2015). I do think that our environment plays a pivotal role in shaping us. Everyone is given a set of circumstances in life. It is how we navigate and cope with these circumstances that can create maladaptive behaviors and coping mechanisms. Individuals who do adopt such habits are capable of change and resiliency when their needs are being fulfilled. Counseling allows us to gain the resources, understanding, and tools that can help us navigate the world. Evaluation of Evidence Supporting Reality Therapy Reality Therapy is easily tailored to meet the needs of many different individuals. Reality Therapy has been shown effective for older individuals who suffer to make choices that satisfy their needs, but also align with their dreams and aspirations (Sauerheber et al, 2016). It has been

4 effective most specifically, when using the WDEP approach; exploring wants, finding out what the individual is doing, evaluating its efficacy, and contriving a plan. The aging process is inevitable, however that does not mean that the older population cannot also have their needs met. Relying on Reality Therapy and the WDEP exercise, helps older individuals maintain their sense of empowerment, particularly pertaining to their basic needs (Sauerheber et al, 2016). Incorporating Reality Therapy encourages self-responsibility and control over their lives, it allows for them to maintain their level of activity, they can maintain their independence, and they are able to self-advocate. Appropriateness of Reality Therapy for Diverse Populations The foundations and the backbone of Reality Therapy are the freedoms of choice, control over our lives, and independence. These are very Eurocentric and Western driven ideas towards the world. Not every multicultural individual looks at life in the same way. For example, many Indigenous people’s view of the world and human nature revolve around family support, ties within the community, and the sharing of responsibility (Montgomery, 2019). Individualism in the Western world, as opposed to collectivism in other parts of the world, is challenging to adapt towards culturally diverse populations. Working with culturally diverse populations, is it pertinent to consider that traditional therapies and interventions may be inappropriate. (Graham et al, 2013) Being cognizant of this is crucial as well as taking into consideration what their cultural identities mean to them. To be a culturally competent counselors need to acknowledge understand and embrace everyone’s cultural diversity. Individuals who immigrate to new areas usually go through cultural shock, intergenerational contestation, and cultural conflicts (Graham et al, 2013). Immigrants that travel to the United States would benefit from counseling resources. Reality Therapy would be a beneficial modality because Reality Therapy is easily malleable to the client’s needs. It not only respects the clients but is also socially intuitive, allowing the client

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