Reality Therapy is a type of psychotherapy developed by psychiatrist William Glasser in the 1960s. It is based on the principles of Choice Theory, which posits that people are in control of their own behavior and can make choices to improve their lives. Reality Therapy focuses on helping individuals take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes to achieve their goals.
One of the key techniques used in Reality Therapy is the WDEP model, which stands for Wants, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning. This model helps clients identify their wants and needs, evaluate their current behavior, and develop a plan to make positive changes to achieve their goals.
In the first step, Wants, the therapist helps the client identify their wants and needs. This involves exploring what the client desires in life and what is preventing them from achieving those desires. The therapist works with the client to help them clarify their goals and identify what they need to do to achieve them.
The second step, Doing, involves evaluating the client’s current behavior and determining whether it is helping or hindering them in achieving their goals. The therapist helps the client identify any maladaptive behaviors that may be preventing them from reaching their goals and encourages them to make changes to improve their situation.
The third step, Evaluation, involves helping the client assess their progress and determine whether their current strategies are working. The therapist works with the client to identify any obstacles or challenges they may be facing and develop strategies to overcome them.
The final step, Planning, involves developing a concrete plan of action to help the client achieve their goals. The therapist helps the client identify specific steps they can take to make positive changes and encourages them to take responsibility for their actions.
In addition to the WDEP model, Reality Therapy also incorporates other techniques such as role-playing, visualizations, and cognitive restructuring to help clients change their thinking patterns and behaviors. The goal of Reality Therapy is to empower individuals to take control of their lives and make positive choices that lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Overall, Reality Therapy is a practical and goal-oriented approach to therapy that focuses on helping individuals take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes to achieve their goals. By using techniques such as the WDEP model and Choice Theory principles, therapists can help clients develop the skills and strategies they need to create a more fulfilling and satisfying life.