Reality Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the present and the future, rather than on the past. It was developed by William Glasser in the 1960s and is based on the principles of choice theory, which emphasizes personal responsibility and the idea that people can choose their own behaviors and actions.
Reality Therapy is typically used to help individuals who are experiencing problems with relationships, self-esteem, or general life satisfaction. The therapist works with the client to identify what they want in life and what they are currently doing that is preventing them from achieving those goals. The therapist then helps the client develop more effective ways of thinking and behaving that are more in line with their desired outcomes.
One of the key principles of Reality Therapy is that people are responsible for their own actions and behaviors, and that they have the power to change those behaviors if they choose to do so. This is in contrast to more traditional psychotherapeutic approaches that may focus on blaming external factors or childhood experiences for current problems.
Another important aspect of Reality Therapy is the concept of "total behavior," which refers to the idea that people's behaviors are made up of four components: their thoughts, feelings, actions, and physiology. The therapist works with the client to help them understand the connections between these components and to develop strategies for changing their behavior by changing their thoughts or feelings.
Reality Therapy is often used in combination with other types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or solution-focused brief therapy. The therapy is usually short-term and solution-focused, with an emphasis on helping the client make positive changes in their life in a relatively short amount of time.
Overall, Reality Therapy is a pragmatic and action-oriented approach to therapy that can help individuals take responsibility for their own lives and make positive changes to improve their relationships and overall well-being.