Choice Theory: Reality Therapy: Week Five Discussion Question

Also, like cognitive behavioral theory, reality therapy’s main goal is to help the individual gain a new perspective, then work on how they will manage life’s challenges on their own. Making better choices seems to be at the heart of reality therapy and for student’s this can be a daily struggle. Reality therapy also focuses on the student developing the plan on how they will achieve what they are seeking, whether it is a better attitude, a better relationship, or better grades. The student may need some suggestions or possible some prompting, but the actual plan would come from the student. If the plan does not work, or the client does not work, excuses are unacceptable. Instead, the client and therapist agree to stay committed to each other and the goal and work to devise another plan until they find one that can be carried out (Good Therapy, 2014). When students commit to developing the plan they are more likely to succeed and with success comes

The desired outcomes for reality therapy groups and Adlerian therapy groups are both similar and dissimilar to one another in varying ways. Reality theory groups seek to change a members“…being stuck in repetitive and nonproductive activities” and that failing to achieve their goals should not bring self-deprecation (Gladding, 2016, p. 334). Adlerian groups “emphasize social cooperation and teamwork…focusing primarily on the growth and actions of the individual within the group rather than the group itself” (p.

From the time of the advent of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and therapy until now, psychologists have searched for new and better ways to both understand and treat the human psyche. Many psychologists have spent their lives analyzing the complexities of human thought, behavior, and interactions with societal influences in order to find new ways to guide humans towards a more fulfilling human experience. Throughout time, various theories and models of therapy have emerged, each with their strengths and weaknesses in their efforts to help humanity live more fulfilling lives. Psychoanalytic, Adlerian, existential, person-centered, gestalt, behavior, cognitive, cognitive behavior (CBT), reality, feminist, postmodern, and family systems approaches have all made important contributions towards the evolution of psychological theory and therapy. One of the most widely accepted and practiced forms of theory and therapy in today’s world of psychology is CBT. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy has a rich and storied history, contains more inherent strengths than weaknesses, and provides effective treatment for a variety of psychological conditions.

Psychodynamic therapy has been around for ages, and has been very beneficial for clients who are suffering from an array of difficulties in life. This form of therapy has the client focus on the past and understand how it has positively or negatively affected his/her behavior and outlook on life. There are many advantages and disadvantages to taking this historical approach when working with families.

In this paper, we will discuss what Choice Theory is and how it relates and differs from Positive Psychology. Also in this paper, two articles will be reviewed. One about Choice Theory and the other about Positive Psychology. This will help get a better understanding about the background of these two theories. Choice Theory was developed by Dr. William Glasser. It is the theory that states, “We choose all of our actions and thoughts, based on the information we receive in our lives.” (Bradley, 2014) This means we are in charge of how we feel, no one can make us feel or act in a certain way. Reality Therapy goes hand in hand with this theory. Reality therapy is used by counselors in order to train a client to take control of their lives. Positive Psychology is “A branch of psychology that focuses on building positive qualities that lead to more fulfilling lives.” (Project Innovation Inc., 2013) This branch contrasts many others because it does not focus on treating mental disorders. It is simply just training the brain to think more positively. It focuses on building up four characteristics – grit, optimism, positive affect, and life satisfaction. Both Choice Theory and Positive Psychology help achieve long term goals and help people to be successful

Gehart, D. R., & Tuttle, A. R. (2003). Theory-based treatment planning for marriage and family therapists. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

My top five theories are Gestalt, Reality, Person Centered, Existential and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Within these five theories my top five aspects that I would like to incorporate into my own personal model of counseling is as follows: 1.) From Gestalt therapy I would incorporate staying with the feeling and use experiments along with internal dialogue exercises (Corey, 2013). The aspect of getting to the root of unfinished business in regards to impasse is appealing in regards to this theory as well as the idea that it moves the client to a place where they are more confident asking for help (Corey, 2013) 2.) From the Reality Therapy approach I would incorporate the WDEP technique (Corey, 2013). I feel that it is of the most importance to recognize what one wants from his or her life and to be able to verbalize and have an action based, planned path that moves one towards the goal (Corey, 2013). 3.) From the Person Centered Approach I would incorporate genuineness, unconditional positive regard and accurate empathic understanding (Corey, 2013). In regards to the therapeutic process when working with people in crisis I believe this model is most effective (Corey, 2013). 4.) From an Existential Therapy approach I would incorporate the aspect of guiding the client to a place of awareness. I believe being aware of why one is not living their life fully is very important to moving a person toward making choices that will get them to a life that is more authentic to who

The client is aware of her emotions and how they affect her relationship with her husband and children. Her awareness of her unstable mental health situation will be useful later when these emotions are addressed in counseling.

Family therapy is a technique that has many alternative approaches to every aspect of treatment which Nichols (2014), states may present a challenge when describing a basic technique. The two models of family therapy in which I feel that I would be most effective and comfortable with would be, experiential family therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. I feel most comfortable with these models because, I adapt to the role of the therapist of both therapies naturally. According to Nichols (2014), when families seek therapy they are stuck in a life-cycle transition, sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they are not obvious. I’ve found that during the first session an excellent question is to ask the client why now so that they can

al., 2001). REBT theory views individuals as ‘responsibly hedonistic’ in the implication that they attempt to live and reach contentment. Conversely, REBT theory maintains that clients are inclined to embrace irrational beliefs and behaviors that prevent them from achieving their goals and purposes (Weinrach, 1996). REBT theory accepts that clients contrast rational desires with wishes, preferences, and wants. Additionally, the existence of extreme philosophies make the difference between healthy negative emotions and unhealthy negative emotions (Weinrach, 1995). REBT theory asserts that clients have the ability to change their beliefs and philosophies profoundly and thus can change unreservedly their state of psychological health (Corey,

that we are born with five basic human needs that drive us all our lives: survival, love and

Philosophy and Approach: I believe in the healing power of counseling, and having safe place to tell one’s personal story. My approach is eclectic and trauma informed. I draw upon reality theory and the study of behaviors and neurocognitive development. I use CBT, mindfulness, and other practices as appropriate.

MI therapists prize the client when they are with the client. As in Person-Centered therapy, the client is regarded as the expert of his life. Within the client lies the will to change if it can be adequately identified and then encouraged to come out. Once encouraged and heard, the will to change can then be involved in planning a change. Carl Rogers developed a therapy method that trusted the client. His person-centered approach began with the client receiving and benefiting from a special status conferred upon him by the therapist. This theoretical approach pivots around the idea that clients have the ability to

This case study illustrates Ruth being the client. This provides background information about Ruth includes the presenting problem, the history of presenting problem and the psychosocial history. The key concepts, the therapeutic process, the therapeutic relationship, therapist function and roll comes from the three theories Gestalt, Existential and Adlerian. The case identifies and describe goals that would be established for Ruth using all three theories. This case study applies detailed techniques from Gestalt and Adlerian also providing specific examples of Ruth participating in the different techniques. Such as advice, catching oneself, lifestyle assessment, encouraging, task setting and commitment, future projection, empty chair and

After almost 20 years without a theory, Glasser published Control Theory in 1984. “In essence, reality therapy was the art of change, and control theory was the theory of what needed to be changed and why.” Howatt (2001).