Choice Reality Therapy for Mental Health 

Mental health experts, such as the teams at our Banyan's facilities for mental health, have utilized choice reality therapy to treat disorders like depression, anxiety, and more. This therapeutic approach, rooted in the foundations of choice theory, seeks to empower individuals by helping them understand their behavioral patterns and fostering responsible decision-making. This methodology offers a clear framework that highlights the importance of individuals taking charge of their lives by acknowledging their ability to make purposeful choices. Our experts share more about what reality therapy is, including the reality therapy techniques we use and how clients are afforded the means to confront their underlying issues and work towards attainable solutions through this unique therapy approach.

Reality Therapy Definition

Reality therapy is best described as a client-centered form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on improving the individual’s current relationships and circumstances with less focus and discussion on past events. As we previously mentioned, the reality therapy definition is rooted in the choice theory.

The choice theory is a psychological framework developed by psychiatrist William Glasser. It proposes that human behavior is primarily driven by a person’s intrinsic need to satisfy five basic psychological needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. According to Glasser’s choice theory, people are motivated to make choices that they believe will best fulfill these needs.

The central focus of reality-based therapy, according to Glasser’s choice theory, is that individuals have the power to make decisions regarding their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This theory claims that while individuals can’t control external events, they can control how they respond to these events. The theory also underlines the significance of personal responsibility and encourages individuals to take accountability for their actions, acknowledging that their choices have consequences.

WDEP in Reality Therapy

  • Wants: What the individual wants
  • Doing: What the individual is doing to progress
  • Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the individual’s behavior
  • Planning: Plan a course of action to change behavior

What Are the 5 Basic Needs in Reality Therapy?

According to reality therapy, there are five fundamental psychological demands that people try to satisfy. These needs are thought to be basic to human conduct and have a substantial influence on decisions and behavior.

Reality Therapy's five fundamental demands are as follows:

  • Survival: It is fundamentally necessary to survive. It entails providing for the basic physiological needs of shelter, food, and security. Focusing on higher-level demands is difficult for people if this need isn't met.
  • Love and Belonging: The need for deep relationships with other people is a component of the need for love and belonging. This entails developing wholesome relationships, sensing acceptance, and having a sense of belonging.
  • Power: The desire for a feeling of control and influence over one's life is reflected in the power demand. It entails having the freedom to choose one's path and make decisions. People want to make a difference in their surroundings and situations.
  • Freedom: The demand for freedom is tied to the need for autonomy and the capacity to make decisions free from unwarranted outside influences. It entails having the freedom to follow one's dreams and living by moral principles.
  • Fun: The need for enjoyment, pleasure, and a sense of fulfillment in life are all included in the need for fun. It entails partaking in enjoyable, fulfilling, and emotionally stimulating activities.

Through reality therapy, therapists assist clients in realizing these fundamental requirements and how their actions and decisions affect whether or not these needs are met. The therapy process includes investigating practical solutions to help people meet their needs and make decisions that result in a more fulfilling and balanced existence.

How Choice Reality Therapy Works

Here are a few examples of reality therapy techniques applied in practical situations:

  • Addressing relationship problems: If an individual is struggling with strained relationships at home or work due to poor communication, a reality therapist can help them identify specific communication barriers. Through role-playing and guided discussions, the therapist can help the client explore different ways of expressing themselves.
  • Managing anxiety: A client experiences frequent anxiety related to academic performance. The reality therapist helps the individual pinpoint underlying sources of stress and anxiety. Together, they develop a strategy for time management, study techniques, and relaxation exercises that the client can apply to better manage their academic responsibilities and reduce associated anxiety.
  • Enhancing self-esteem: An individual struggles with low self-esteem and negative self-talk. In reality therapy, the therapist works with them to identify the source of these thoughts and challenge their validity. Through cognitive reframing and positive affirmations, the client learns how to gradually replace negative self-talk with more constructive and self-affirming beliefs.
  • Addiction Recovery: As a family of facilities that offer co-occurring disorder treatment, we understand that reality therapy can also be helpful to a person overcoming substance abuse. Reality therapy is employed to help the individual recognize the impact of their choices on their well-being. The therapist and client work together to set realistic goals for maintaining sobriety, identifying triggers, and developing coping strategies to prevent relapse.

In each of these scenarios, reality choice therapy techniques are applied to address specific challenges and enable positive change. By focusing on practical solutions, taking accountability, and goal-centered strategies, reality therapy empowers our clients to confront their issues head-on, make purposeful choices, and work toward improved mental health.

Benefits of Using Reality Therapy Techniques for Mental Health

In the context of mental health treatment, reality therapy interventions offer a framework through which individuals can better understand their behaviors, assess their needs, and make conscious choices that align with their values and goals. This ultimately contributes to improved psychological well-being and overall satisfaction with life.

Choice reality therapy offers a range of benefits for mental health care, stemming from its realistic and solution-focused approach. Some major benefits of reality therapy for mental health include:

  • Development of realistic problem-solving skills
  • Empowerment through taking personal responsibility
  • Enhanced resilience to change and challenges
  • Goal-oriented approach
  • Improved relationships
  • Improved self-awareness
  • Long-term personal growth
  • Reduced stress
  • Practical problem-solving skills

At our residential mental health facilities, incorporating reality therapy techniques in clients’ treatment programs facilitates transformative change by empowering them to make purposeful choices, promotes self-awareness, and actively shapes their psychological well-being.

Finding a Mental Health Rehab Near Me

At Banyan Mental Health, we recognize the amazing benefits of reality therapy for mental illness and the impact it can have on our clients’ lives. This relevant and empowering approach, rooted in the principles of choice theory, enables our clients to take charge of their recovery.

By fostering self-awareness, accountability, and practical problem-solving skills, reality therapy guides the individual to personal growth and fulfillment. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to harnessing the transformative potential of reality theory counseling to help our clients overcome their challenges, strengthen their relationships, and achieve lasting positive change.

Reality therapy is just one of the many psychotherapy services offered at our mental illness treatment facilities. For more information about our adult mental health services and how we can support you or a loved one in recovery, contact Banyan today to schedule a consultation.