Chapter 11- Reality Therapy

Chapter 11- Reality Therapy

Reality Therapy was founded by William Glasser. Glasser believes that relationships are an extremely important part of our lives and behaviors. He finds healthy relationships as part of our basic needs. In Reality Therapy the goals of therapy are to help the individual take control of their thoughts and decisions in order to meet their basic needs. The therapy sessions are constructed with the counselor as a teacher and the client as a student. In order for this therapy to be successful the client must take responsibility for their actions and attempt to make changes.

When reviewing this theory and connecting with my career in student affairs, I see this method in both a good and bad view. Like many of the other theories, this method of therapy believes that the client is in control of their thoughts and actions. While I do I agree with this, I can only agree to a certain extent. In higher education, telling a student they do not have friends because they choose not to may not be the best route. Especially, if making friends will cause the client to give up many of their characteristics. While it is important to educate the client/student about their actions and their control, it is also important to help students create relationships and learn to accept differences. Forcing students to change/adapt to the environment is not always the best option, in my opinion.