What is reality therapy?
Developed by psychiatrist William Glasser in the 1960s, reality therapy is based on choice theory. The approach suggests that our behaviour is driven by attempts to meet five basic needs.
Glasser's ideas differed from conventional approaches to mental health, particularly in his views on psychiatric diagnosis and the causes of psychological distress. This aspect of reality therapy is controversial. Glasser challenged conventional approaches to mental health diagnosis and argued that people have more direct control over their actions and thinking than over their feelings and physiology. Its principles do not reflect all current approaches to understanding mental health.
These basic needs are:
- love and belonging
- power and achievement
- survival (nourishment and shelter)
- freedom and independence
- fun (enjoyment and pleasure).
According to Glasser, whether we are aware of it or not, our behaviour is continually influenced by attempts to meet these needs. While we may struggle to control our feelings and physiology, we can directly choose our thoughts and actions. Sometimes, however, we don’t act effectively, and this can have negative repercussions for our health and wellbeing. Choice theory proposes that people can work towards meeting these needs by focusing on their own choices and behaviour.
Reality therapy is designed to find ways to meet a person's basic needs while helping clients become aware of, and change, negative thoughts and actions.
How does reality therapy work?
Reality therapy is a collaborative approach, where the therapist and client work together to agree on practical steps towards the client’s goals. If a plan isn’t working, they can review it together and consider a different approach.
Reality therapy depends on several key components:
The relationship between counsellor and client
A trusting relationship between counsellor and client is an important part of reality therapy. Creating a supportive environment can help clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and exploring what they would like to change.
Choice theory and basic needs
Counsellors using reality therapy draw on Glasser's choice theory, which proposes that human behaviour is driven by attempts to meet five basic needs. By asking questions such as "What do you want?" or "What are you doing to get what you want?", counsellors can help individuals explore which needs are not being met and how to develop realistic goals to address the issues.
Focusing on present behaviour
Reality therapy focuses on what clients are doing and thinking in the present, rather than exploring past experiences in detail. Clients are encouraged to consider the areas they can influence and whether their current behaviour is helping them move towards what they want.
Evaluating choices and behaviour
The counsellor can help the client look at their current choices and behaviours and consider whether they are helping them work towards their goals. Together, they can identify what the client might like to change and develop a practical plan, with realistic goals and steps to work towards.
Creating a plan of action
A plan of action in reality therapy enables the individual to take control of their life in constructive ways while fulfilling their wants and needs. The client and counsellor can develop a realistic plan based on changes that are within the client's control. Progress can be reviewed throughout therapy, and the plan can be adapted if needed.
One framework commonly used in reality therapy is WDEP, which stands for wants, doing, evaluation and planning. It can help clients explore what they want, what they are currently doing, whether their choices are helping them, and what they could do next.
Potential benefits of reality therapy
Reality therapy focuses on practical problem-solving and the thoughts, behaviours and choices that a person can influence in the present. For some people, this may provide a useful way to reflect on what they want to change and consider practical steps towards their goals.
The approach may also encourage people to think about their relationships, how they respond to challenges and whether their current choices are helping them meet their needs. Through this process, people may explore areas such as confidence, self-esteem, and communication.
As with any type of therapy, experiences of reality therapy can vary. What feels helpful depends on the individual, what they hope to explore, and whether the approach feels suitable for them.
What can reality therapy help with?
People may choose to explore a range of concerns through reality therapy. These might include:
- relationships and communication
- challenges at school
- mood and emotional wellbeing
- coping with difficulties
- patterns of behaviour they would like to change.
Reality therapy provides an empathetic, understanding environment where individuals can open up without feeling shame, regret, or embarrassment. This makes it especially valuable for groups, as everyone can express their needs and desires, laying the foundation for a plan of action that fosters closer bonds, better understanding, and improved conflict resolution.
Find a reality therapy counsellor
If reality therapy feels like an approach you’d like to explore, you can connect with a counsellor who offers this type of therapy. They can help you explore your current thoughts, behaviours and choices, and consider changes that may support what you want to achieve.
Browse reality therapy counsellors on Counselling Directory and view their profiles to learn more about how they work, their experience and the support they offer.
