Abstract

Reality Therapy was developed by William Glasser as a result of his dissatisfaction with the ineffectiveness of standard psychiatric treatment. Glasser changed the focus to present behavior, emphasizing the acceptance of personal responsibility, which he equated with mental health. Reality therapy focuses on solving problems and on coping with the demands of reality in society. Thus, counselors concentrate on what clients can do practically to change the behavior they use to fulfill their needs. People can improve the quality of their life through honestly examining their wants and needs. Group members are challenged to evaluate the quality of their behavior, formulate a plan for change, commit themselves to their plan, and follow through with their commitment. By avoiding making excuses and blaming others and by evaluating what they are doing to get what they want, they are able to achieve an increasing control over their life. Glasser's approach assumes that people strive to gain this control of their life in order to fulfill their needs. The current practice of reality therapy is largely based on concepts derived from control theory. Glasser has expanded and clarified Powers's work so that it is now an integral part of reality therapy. Reality therapy is a method of helping people take better control of their lives. It helps people to identify and to clarify what they want and need, and then evaluate whether they can realistically attain what they want. It helps them to examine their own behavior and to evaluate this with clear criteria. This is followed by positive planning designed to help them control their own lives as well as fulfill their realistic wants and their needs. The result is added strength, more self-confidence, better human relations, and a personal tool to use daily in coping with adversity, assisting their personal growth, and getting more effective control of their lives.