Choice theory is a psychological theory developed by William Glasser that focuses on personal responsibility and behavioral choices. The key concepts are that people have the power to choose their thoughts and actions, and are not victims of external forces. The theory aims to help people meet their basic psychological needs through improving relationships by changing their present behaviors and choices. Choice theory counseling involves assessing a client's goals, current behaviors, and developing plans for behavior change through small, measurable steps.
The quality world is our personal Shangri-la --- the ideal of what we want our life to be. It fulfills our most basic needs by placing the actual people we want to love in our quality world. People who come to counseling either have no one in their quality world or are experiencing conflict between their quality world and their “real” world.
Quality World—made up of the people we want to be with, the things we want to experience, & the belief systems that govern our behavior.
Metaphors: For example, the client statement “I’m out on a limb with this situation” might be rephrased to “What does it look like out on the limb?” or What would being off the limb be like for you?” or “What can you do today to begin to get yourself safely off that limb?”
The methodology employed in reality therapy consists of establishing an appropriate environment or psychological atmosphere and then applying the procedures that lead to change. Getting a Commitment: 5 Levels 1. “I don’t want to be here.” = client is reluctant and resistant; no commitment at all. 2. “I want the outcome but not the effort.” = Client wants to change but is not taking responsibility; will result in no change. 3. “I’ll try; I might.” = Millde level of commitment; workable 4. “I will do my best.”= Such commitment allows the possibility of failure. 5. “I will do whatever it takes.” = outcome centered on a no-excuses level of commitment; most desirable
Glasser wrote a book in 1980 called “What are you doing?” where each word in the question serves as a sign-post for the practitioner. What = the counselor asks for precise details; client must be specific Are = emphasizes the importance of stressing the present rather than indulging in endless discussions of past behaviors that are beyond client’s control You = focus on the client rather than on other people, excuses, and uncontrollable events. Doing = connotes total behavior: the exploration of direction, specifications, thoughts, feelings, and physical symptoms accompanying client’s choices
May be more appropriate for men Silverberg (1984) argues that historically men have been more reluctant than women to seek therapy….and the emphasis that reality therapy gives to development of self-control, autonomy, and independence are particularly appealing to men. Further, the emphasis on specific behaviors and on productivity in sessions that have planning as a component would be appropriate for men whose outlook toward life is achievement oriented. Men who have a negative feeling toward examining their feelings and emotions may find reality therapy an attractive approach.
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