Reality Therapy and Client Relationships

Questions and Answers

What do reality therapists believe is the underlying problem for most clients?

They lack what could be called a relationship

What does the text say the therapist guides clients towards?

A more satisfying relationship

What do few clients understand about their problem?

That their problem is caused by the way they are choosing to behave

What does the text say reality therapists recognize about clients' behaviors?

Clients choose their behaviors as a way to deal with the frustrations caused by unsatisfying relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does Glasser maintain about client diagnoses?

Diagnoses are descriptions of the behaviors people choose to deal with unsatisfying relationships Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say is the reason why many clients are sent for counseling?

They have been sent for counseling by a court official, school administrator, employer, spouse, or parent Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is not considered a mental illness by Glasser?

Anxiety disorder Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between choice theory and reality therapy according to the text?

Choice theory is the theoretical basis for reality therapy, which provides a delivery system for helping individuals take more effective control of their lives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the therapist in reality therapy according to the text?

To establish a satisfying relationship with the client as a prerequisite for effective therapy. Signup and view all the answers

In what settings has reality therapy been used according to the text?

In a variety of settings including counseling, social work, education, crisis intervention, corrections and rehabilitation, institutional management, and community development. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about Wubbolding's role in relation to Glasser's principles?

Wubbolding builds on Glasser's principles and provides additional guidance for counselors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of reality therapy according to the text?

Helping and teaching clients to make more effective choices as they deal with the people they need in their lives. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reality Therapy

Reality therapists believe that clients' underlying problems stem from either being in an unsatisfying relationship or lacking a relationship altogether.
Clients' inability to connect with others or have a satisfying relationship with at least one significant person in their life causes many client problems.

Causes of Client Problems

Clients' inability to connect with others is due to their ineffective ways of behaving.
These ineffective behaviors are chosen by clients to deal with the pain and frustration caused by unsatisfying relationships.

Glasser's Perspective

Glasser (2003) believes that clients should not be labeled with a diagnosis except when necessary for insurance purposes.
Glasser views diagnoses as descriptions of ineffective behaviors people choose to deal with pain and frustration in their unsatisfying relationships.

Definition of Mental Illness

Glasser limits the term mental illness to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, head trauma, and brain infections, which are associated with tangible brain damage.
These conditions should be treated primarily by neurologists.

Reality Therapy Approach

Reality therapy is based on choice theory, which explains why and how people function.
The approach helps individuals take more effective control of their lives by making better choices in dealing with people they need in their lives.
Establishing a satisfying relationship with clients is essential for effective therapy.

Applications of Reality Therapy

Reality therapy has been used in various settings, including counseling, social work, education, crisis intervention, corrections, and community development.
It is popular in schools, state mental health hospitals, halfway houses, and alcohol and drug abuse centers.
Many military clinics that treat substance abusers use reality therapy as their preferred therapeutic approach.