Paper Summary:

This paper describes reality therapy, which is a practical approach to helping people take responsibility for their lives. Reality therapy, or choice therapy, encourages individuals to recognize and examine their role in their own lives, which is considered a rewarding experience of this innovative counseling approach. The paper also shows how reality therapy keeps the patient rooted in the present. Various studies on the approach and effectiveness of reality therapy are cited, particularly on its uses in the prison system. The paper closes by stating that reality therapy is a positive approach that empowers the client, and stimulates their creative thinking in ways that have not been done before in their lives.

Outline:
Reality Therapy
Putting Theory into Practice
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Reality therapy was introduced by William Glasser, M.D., in 1965 (Clark, p. 11). It is a therapeutic approach based on choice theory, and it is a revelation of the processes that individuals make, and probably make without giving much thought as to the outcome of their choices as they go about their lives. The choices people make for their selves are often responses to their innate needs. Choice theory identifies these innate needs as survival, loving and the need to be loved, success, control, independence, and the pursuit of entertainment or that which brings the individual joy. Choice theory says that it is important to point out behaviors, rather than to make interpretations of behaviors."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brown, N. W. (1996). Expressive Processes in Group Counseling: Theory and Practice. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=27985548
• Clark, K. (2003). Bringing Back Compassion, Counseling and Mental Health: Featured Presenter Dr. William Glasser Discusses Choice Theory, the New Reality Therapy with Annals. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 6(2), 11+. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002544140
• Hardcastle, D. A., Powers, P. R., & Wenocur, S. (2004). Community Practice: Theories and Skills for Social Workers. New York: Oxford University Press. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=104722138
• Kinker, J. (2003, July). Reality Therapy and Choice Theory. Corrections Today, 65, 102. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5007703291
• Neenan, M., & Dryden, W. (2004). Cognitive Therapy: 100 Key Points. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Retrieved December 10, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=108476937

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