Being in the present tense is core to reality therapy imo. The use if verbs keeps that focus for the individual. For someone who is depressed, the idea that they are "depressing," lends to the idea that it's changing or could be changed, instead of a static state of mind as "depressed." Combining some elements of spirituality this fits the grid...I am in the here and now, I am evolving = state of mind is the easiest to change. I'm working on a book on this now. I luv your video on this, and this topic.
I went through the Reality Therapy training. It has been the most positive training I have ever had. It has enriched my life and helped me relate to others in a more positive way. As a teacher and school administrator, it gave me the tools I needed to create and maintain a positive environment.
It was so long ago that I only just remember remembering this author, yet being uncertain of the title and name. I'd intended to buy this book, yet I entered a different life chapter and somehow "missed out" on it. Thanks for bridging me to this more resilient, intrepid time. I will find it now, if for no other reason than to answer that moment. It feels serendipitous, which is nice. Thank you.
Thank you for this video. To my layman's ears, your assessment of Reality Therapy sounds very balanced. I am intrigued by Jungian psychology, and have also enjoyed reading Dr. William Glasser's books. While I do believe there is or has been a tendency for Physicians to prescribe anti-depressants to patients rather than having them seek professional counseling, I believe there is a need in some or many cases for a medication component in therapy. There is a happy medium that can be found in using Reality Therapy and prescription drugs in therapy.
Choice Theory was introduced to me in my early twenties, and it completely changed my life, and helped me to choose the field of Psychology. It's a shame it's not nearly so popular. Glasser never prescribed a drug to a patient his whole career, successfully. I wholeheartedly disagree that taking responsibility for the relationships and their effect on your mental health is a negative. And I believe it's this attitude that has worked to increase the thickness of the DSM ten fold; and the reliance on diagnostics as identities - that has contributed to the lack of mental health in 2022. And, the lack of psychologists and psychiatrists who were interested in positive psychology like Choice Theory/Reality Therapy is ultimately why I left psychology to become a coach. Less liability, more positivity. It's a shame that diagnostic psychiatry rose to prominence 5 years before incremental vs entity identity came about. A terribly tragedy in the history of human mental health.
As most theories that have endured and that we take the time to study, Reality Therapy or Choice theory have given us some insight or helpful ideas to incorporate into our practice. I do not like the use of verbs to describe symptoms ie: I am depressing. Although we do make choices that affect our mental health, my concern is that a depressive client may feel even more depressed or self-defeated if he believes that the symptoms are his "fault" because he is choosing it. However, choice is a key component to be explored with clients. Simplistically, we choose how to spend our time. We choose how to think about an interaction or interpret it. I agree that a major contribution of this modality is the identification of ways of relating (deadly and caring habits) and have seen ideas carried into other theories such as Virginia Satir's family therapy.
The perspective on the seven deadly habits and seven caring habits was very interesting. I enjoyed listening to the explanation of what reality therapy is and the components listed within the video.
I would never use this type of therapy alone for types of mental health disorders born within the brain such as schizophrenia, Bipolar 2 and others that are similarly severe illnesses often associated with psychosis. However, it may work well in conjunction with other therapies. This theory alone has worked well in addiction recovery. In my own clinical experience, I see most therapy modalities and theories work better when in conjunction with others.
I bought the book explaining the theory behind it last night(by William Glasser). Thank you very much for your informative video. Those were the questions I was wondering about after reading the introduction section of the book.
Thanks for the explanation of reality therapy especially the pros and cons. I do believe that some behaviors are within our control and appreciate the concepts of the seven deadly habits and seven caring habits. Even at that, I don’t’ believe that every problem is a choice, and sometimes looking back is necessary for insight into the present.
I recently read 'Choice Theory" by William Glasser and I have to say that your synopsis of the theory was spot on, directly from the book. At the time I was sold on Choice Theory due to his numerous teal world working successes that are still in use today. However, after watching this video I am a little more weary of this theory being a one-size-fits-all solution. The total elimination of psycho-pharmaceutical options are well defended in his book but does not recognize it's benefits whatsoever.
Thank you for this overview. In review of Reality Therapy, I did recall that behavior is chosen (stemming from Choice Theory), behavior is the only thing that is under direct control, and relationships are the cause of long-term mental health symptoms. However, I am not certain that I understood until now that the need for power is a primarily negative need when external control is utilized. It makes sense in light of conflict, frustration, and disconnected relationships. I find the aspects of taking responsibility, generating a new perspective, and creating a plan useful. I appreciate the emphasis on the seven caring habits (accepting, encouraging, listening, negotiating, respecting differences, supporting, and trusting ) and seven deadly habits of (blaming, bribing, complaining, criticizing, nagging, punishing, and threatening). The caring habits are particularly helpful in considering competency in counseling.
Thank you for this video. I appreciate the breakdown of the therapy as well as Dr. Grande's views of the positives and negatives of the therapy. While describing the modality I began to think of Existential and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapies as well which would make sense since they are all forms of CBT. I believe the structure of this modality can be useful with a very specific population. What I find difficult is the concept of not looking at ones past during treatment. How can a client be treating effectively without full knowledge of the past? Symptoms presented in the present could be associated with the past and provide the practitioner with insight on how to move forward in the present.
Choice Theory DOES allow clients to talk about their past, just not to dwell on it for too long....a very BRIEF look and release, and then move forward with what we CAN control, which is our future goals and behavior.
I enjoyed this concise explanation of Reality therapy. I personally do not care for this therapy as it doesn’t look into an individuals past. Experiences, or even trauma from the past can have an influence on mental health issues
listen bro I really need you to convert all these videos onto podcasts cuz you’re my idol & I listen to your videos every night to study for exams & papers 😂😂
One of the aspects that I enjoy about Reality Therapy is that it is a here-and-now approach. While it’s vital to recognize events in one’s past that occurred, I feel as if it’s more beneficial for the client to focus on what they are challenged with currently and what their goals are moving forward. One component that I do not like is that Reality Therapy does not integrate psychopharmacology. I am a firm believer in medication as an aid, but not the first-line defense of one’s mental health. Because Reality Therapy does not incorporate medicines with its therapeutic techniques, I don’t think that this would be the best choice therapy for me to pursue in the future. However, it is still a fascinating theory to learn about, and I enjoyed hearing Dr. Grande’s perspectives regarding Reality Therapy!
I thought it was interesting that Reality Therapy uses verbs instead of nouns to describe symptoms & also blames relationships & behaviors for symptoms
The reason for using VERBS... is the person is to take Responsibility (Action) for what he/she needs to accomplish. Nouns... are used mainly in the "Past" tense, "Thinking" about what needs to be done, but just "Talking" about it. The book, "Reality Therapy" changed my life... I was always, "Talking" or Thinking about what I needed to do, or blaming my circumstance on People, Places and Things... Reality therapy makes you responsible for ones actions. Like the great words of Yoda... "Do or Don't... There is NO Try"... LOL
Hi Todd, I am a Senior Faculty for the William Glasser Institute and wanted to clarify something you said which is not accurate. Reality Therapy does not view power as a negative need. Power is a genetic need which we all have. You can see this need showing in children as early as 2 years of age. Your assessment of RealityTherapy is very superficial and I am disappointed that you have not actually studied the modality you are critiquing. I wish you would have had, as a guest, a trained person who could have spoken to the questions.
In Lynn's response to this video, you will see that she expressed her need for POWER.Examples: Identifying expert status: "Senior Faculty for the William Glasser Institute" Insults: "Your assessment of RealityTherapy is very superficial " Shaming: "I am disappointed that you have not actually studied the modality"
Hi Lynn Sumida, Senior Faculty for the William Glasser Institute. I appreciate your valiant effort and attempt to correct what you deem to be inaccurate information presented by Dr. Grande. However, in all fairness, this video was by no means intended to be an in depth analysis of Reality Therapy, but rather an overview of the main aspects of this modality. That being said, this video was actually quite informative and detailed for the average layman with the goal of learning a broad overview of the modality. Dr. Grande didn’t pose any questions or ask for clarification anywhere in his video, so I’m not sure where you think a guest speaker would’ve been appropriate to “answer questions” as you mentioned. I don’t think your criticisms are unfounded, but certainly not necessary for this platform or the brief overview provided in this video. It’s unfortunate that you’re so disappointed with the production of this video, but if I could offer a helpful suggestion, perhaps you could seek support at the William Glasser Institute for your distress. I hope you can move past this setback, and find peace with it.
I think this was the least interesting therapy to me coming out of our theories class, and I agree with most of the criticisms Dr. Grande makes in the video (lack of looking at the past, completely anti-pharmacological, relationships causing mental illnesses). However I do like the seven habits part of the modality, and I wonder if Gottman stylized his 7 principles after Reality Therapy ideas.
Interesting video, I appreciate your use of criticism without outright denying the value of modalities like choice theory and reality therapy. Personally I do agree with the elements related to controlling thoughts and behavior and the WDEP model. However I've never really considered relationship emphasis helpful, I also find it strange that causal relationships would even be drawn in a theory that espouses how toxic blaming outside factors on emotions and behaviors is. Personally I see the framework as a good place to structure therapy, however the more radical ideas just seem like traps that could promote myopic thinking. Especially when adapting psychopharmacology to a model of treatment could help the client control the biological factors of their given diagnosis if that is a priority desire of theirs. I don't know, would you consider a counselor who uses reality therapy but focuses more on WDEP and meeting the basic needs than relationships a reality therapy practitioner? Or would you consider that a different theoretical orientation altogether?
Some of the theory sounds similar to marriage counseling. Power is negative in Reality Therapy as not sharing power is negative in marriage counseling. Also, criticizing is negative in both modalities.
Okay, so I have a question about Reality Therapy... isn't this type of therapy generally used for those who have issues with addiction? So, wouldn't there be a great concern for med management with these clients?
The statement "mental issue causes by someone's thinking and behavior" is like saying a problem causes by itselft, so the statement is kinda useless. Take a look at this way: mental issues cause by collective thinking and behavior.
Wow. Blame the victim therapy. That works not at all when dealing with people who are in relationships with persons displaying abusive personality disorders such as extreme narcissistic behavior or sociopathy and does not work to assist victims of such abuse. Thank God for good therapists who work within the reality of all situations. This type of therapy may work in certain situations but never in ones dealing with abuse. The reality is you’re being abused and you need to leave that abusive relationship. Don’t fall for “Your response to the abuse is the reason for the abuse” so it’s up to you to change how you see your emotional and/or physical abuse. I’ve experienced that type of “therapy” and it’s destructive.
Teaching clients positive ways to get their needs met (responsibility) vs. negative ways (blaming)....is golden.
I’m studying for my NCE and keep finding myself back at your videos. Thank you for your succinct but thorough videos!
Being in the present tense is core to reality therapy imo. The use if verbs keeps that focus for the individual. For someone who is depressed, the idea that they are "depressing," lends to the idea that it's changing or could be changed, instead of a static state of mind as "depressed." Combining some elements of spirituality this fits the grid...I am in the here and now, I am evolving = state of mind is the easiest to change. I'm working on a book on this now. I luv your video on this, and this topic.
I went through the Reality Therapy training. It has been the most positive training I have ever had. It has enriched my life and helped me relate to others in a more positive way. As a teacher and school administrator, it gave me the tools I needed to create and maintain a positive environment.
It was so long ago that I only just remember remembering this author, yet being uncertain of the title and name. I'd intended to buy this book, yet I entered a different life chapter and somehow "missed out" on it. Thanks for bridging me to this more resilient, intrepid time. I will find it now, if for no other reason than to answer that moment. It feels serendipitous, which is nice. Thank you.
Speaking from experience RT is a great way to deal with the past and moving forward; I know this from helping others and myself.
I worked at a outdoor therapeutic program for about a decade. Reality therapy was a cornerstone for our group work. That and lots of hiking. 😑
Thank you for this video. To my layman's ears, your assessment of Reality Therapy sounds very balanced. I am intrigued by Jungian psychology, and have also enjoyed reading Dr. William Glasser's books. While I do believe there is or has been a tendency for Physicians to prescribe anti-depressants to patients rather than having them seek professional counseling, I believe there is a need in some or many cases for a medication component in therapy. There is a happy medium that can be found in using Reality Therapy and prescription drugs in therapy.
Choice Theory was introduced to me in my early twenties, and it completely changed my life, and helped me to choose the field of Psychology.
It's a shame it's not nearly so popular. Glasser never prescribed a drug to a patient his whole career, successfully.
I wholeheartedly disagree that taking responsibility for the relationships and their effect on your mental health is a negative. And I believe it's this attitude that has worked to increase the thickness of the DSM ten fold; and the reliance on diagnostics as identities - that has contributed to the lack of mental health in 2022.
And, the lack of psychologists and psychiatrists who were interested in positive psychology like Choice Theory/Reality Therapy is ultimately why I left psychology to become a coach. Less liability, more positivity.
It's a shame that diagnostic psychiatry rose to prominence 5 years before incremental vs entity identity came about. A terribly tragedy in the history of human mental health.
As most theories that have endured and that we take the time to study, Reality Therapy or Choice theory have given us some insight or helpful ideas to incorporate into our practice. I do not like the use of verbs to describe symptoms ie: I am depressing. Although we do make choices that affect our mental health, my concern is that a depressive client may feel even more depressed or self-defeated if he believes that the symptoms are his "fault" because he is choosing it. However, choice is a key component to be explored with clients. Simplistically, we choose how to spend our time. We choose how to think about an interaction or interpret it. I agree that a major contribution of this modality is the identification of ways of relating (deadly and caring habits) and have seen ideas carried into other theories such as Virginia Satir's family therapy.
The perspective on the seven deadly habits and seven caring habits was very interesting. I enjoyed listening to the explanation of what reality therapy is and the components listed within the video.
I would never use this type of therapy alone for types of mental health disorders born within the brain such as schizophrenia, Bipolar 2 and others that are similarly severe illnesses often associated with psychosis. However, it may work well in conjunction with other therapies. This theory alone has worked well in addiction recovery. In my own clinical experience, I see most therapy modalities and theories work better when in conjunction with others.
I bought the book explaining the theory behind it last night(by William Glasser). Thank you very much for your informative video. Those were the questions I was wondering about after reading the introduction section of the book.
for a moment I thought the title was about retail therapy! You know where my mind was.
Thanks for the explanation of reality therapy especially the
pros and cons. I do believe that some behaviors are within our control and
appreciate the concepts of the seven deadly habits and seven caring habits.
Even at that, I don’t’ believe that every problem is a choice, and sometimes
looking back is necessary for insight into the present.
I recently read 'Choice Theory" by William Glasser and I have to say that your synopsis of the theory was spot on, directly from the book. At the time I was sold on Choice Theory due to his numerous teal world working successes that are still in use today. However, after watching this video I am a little more weary of this theory being a one-size-fits-all solution. The total elimination of psycho-pharmaceutical options are well defended in his book but does not recognize it's benefits whatsoever.
Thank you for this overview. In review of Reality Therapy, I did recall that behavior is chosen (stemming from Choice Theory), behavior is the only thing that is under direct control, and relationships are the cause of long-term mental health symptoms. However, I am not certain that I understood until now that the need for power is a primarily negative need when external control is utilized. It makes sense in light of conflict, frustration, and disconnected relationships. I find the aspects of taking responsibility, generating a new perspective, and creating a plan useful. I appreciate the emphasis on the seven caring habits (accepting, encouraging, listening, negotiating, respecting differences, supporting, and trusting ) and seven deadly habits of (blaming, bribing, complaining, criticizing, nagging, punishing, and threatening). The caring habits are particularly helpful in considering competency in counseling.
Most informative class..Thanks a lot Sir.
Thank you for this video. I appreciate the breakdown of the therapy as well as Dr. Grande's views of the positives and negatives of the therapy. While describing the modality I began to think of Existential and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapies as well which would make sense since they are all forms of CBT. I believe the structure of this modality can be useful with a very specific population. What I find difficult is the concept of not looking at ones past during treatment. How can a client be treating effectively without full knowledge of the past? Symptoms presented in the present could be associated with the past and provide the practitioner with insight on how to move forward in the present.
What is CBT?
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Choice Theory DOES allow clients to talk about their past, just not to dwell on it for too long....a very BRIEF look and release, and then move forward with what we CAN control, which is our future goals and behavior.
@@JudiChristopher Change the THOUGHT that lies between the fear and behavior, and then the fear and behavior will change.
I enjoyed this concise explanation of Reality therapy. I personally do not care for this therapy as it doesn’t look into an individuals past. Experiences, or even trauma from the past can have an influence on mental health issues
listen bro I really need you to convert all these videos onto podcasts cuz you’re my idol & I listen to your videos every night to study for exams & papers 😂😂
Social relatedness is definitely one of the main issues but not the sole. So, overalls I like reality therapy because a it emphasizes a critical area.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on the topic.
One of the aspects that I enjoy about Reality Therapy is that it is a here-and-now approach. While it’s vital to recognize events in one’s past that occurred, I feel as if it’s more beneficial for the client to focus on what they are challenged with currently and what their goals are moving forward. One component that I do not like is that Reality Therapy does not integrate psychopharmacology. I am a firm believer in medication as an aid, but not the first-line defense of one’s mental health. Because Reality Therapy does not incorporate medicines with its therapeutic techniques, I don’t think that this would be the best choice therapy for me to pursue in the future. However, it is still a fascinating theory to learn about, and I enjoyed hearing Dr. Grande’s perspectives regarding Reality Therapy!
I thought it was interesting that Reality Therapy uses verbs instead of nouns to describe symptoms & also blames relationships & behaviors for symptoms
The reason for using VERBS... is the person is to take Responsibility (Action) for what he/she needs to accomplish.
Nouns... are used mainly in the "Past" tense, "Thinking" about what needs to be done, but just "Talking" about it.
The book, "Reality Therapy" changed my life... I was always, "Talking" or Thinking about what I needed to do, or blaming
my circumstance on People, Places and Things... Reality therapy makes you responsible for ones actions.
Like the great words of Yoda...
"Do or Don't... There is NO Try"... LOL
I am looking for a good reality therapist in the West LA area. Please advise.
Any therapy suggestion for a middle aged man who can’t keep a job and has marriage problems?
Hi Todd, I am a Senior Faculty for the William Glasser Institute and wanted to clarify something you said which is not accurate. Reality Therapy does not view power as a negative need. Power is a genetic need which we all have. You can see this need showing in children as early as 2 years of age. Your assessment of RealityTherapy is very superficial and I am disappointed that you have not actually studied the modality you are critiquing. I wish you would have had, as a guest, a trained person who could have spoken to the questions.
Lynn Sumida Hi,
Can you suggest a video that would clarify the points you have objections to?
In Lynn's response to this video, you will see that she expressed her need for POWER.Examples: Identifying expert status: "Senior Faculty for the William Glasser Institute" Insults: "Your assessment of RealityTherapy is very superficial " Shaming: "I am disappointed that you have not actually studied the modality"
Hi Lynn Sumida, Senior Faculty for the William Glasser Institute. I appreciate your valiant effort and attempt to correct what you deem to be inaccurate information presented by Dr. Grande. However, in all fairness, this video was by no means intended to be an in depth analysis of Reality Therapy, but rather an overview of the main aspects of this modality. That being said, this video was actually quite informative and detailed for the average layman with the goal of learning a broad overview of the modality. Dr. Grande didn’t pose any questions or ask for clarification anywhere in his video, so I’m not sure where you think a guest speaker would’ve been appropriate to “answer questions” as you mentioned. I don’t think your criticisms are unfounded, but certainly not necessary for this platform or the brief overview provided in this video. It’s unfortunate that you’re so disappointed with the production of this video, but if I could offer a helpful suggestion, perhaps you could seek support at the William Glasser Institute for your distress. I hope you can move past this setback, and find peace with it.
I think this was the least interesting therapy to me coming out of our theories class, and I agree with most of the criticisms Dr. Grande makes in the video (lack of looking at the past, completely anti-pharmacological, relationships causing mental illnesses). However I do like the seven habits part of the modality, and I wonder if Gottman stylized his 7 principles after Reality Therapy ideas.
Interesting video, I appreciate your use of criticism without outright denying the value of modalities like choice theory and reality therapy. Personally I do agree with the elements related to controlling thoughts and behavior and the WDEP model. However I've never really considered relationship emphasis helpful, I also find it strange that causal relationships would even be drawn in a theory that espouses how toxic blaming outside factors on emotions and behaviors is.
Personally I see the framework as a good place to structure therapy, however the more radical ideas just seem like traps that could promote myopic thinking. Especially when adapting psychopharmacology to a model of treatment could help the client control the biological factors of their given diagnosis if that is a priority desire of theirs.
I don't know, would you consider a counselor who uses reality therapy but focuses more on WDEP and meeting the basic needs than relationships a reality therapy practitioner? Or would you consider that a different theoretical orientation altogether?
Some of the theory sounds similar to marriage counseling. Power is negative in Reality Therapy as not sharing power is negative in marriage counseling. Also, criticizing is negative in both modalities.
Okay, so I have a question about Reality Therapy... isn't this type of therapy generally used for those who have issues with addiction? So, wouldn't there be a great concern for med management with these clients?
Thank this helpful
You're welcome!
The statement "mental issue causes by someone's thinking and behavior" is like saying a problem causes by itselft, so the statement is kinda useless. Take a look at this way: mental issues cause by collective thinking and behavior.
I've never felt like I belonged anywhere or with anyone. I've always felt like an odd one off or something.
I think they call that a J O B.
👏👏👍
Wow. Blame the victim therapy. That works not at all when dealing with people who are in relationships with persons displaying abusive personality disorders such as extreme narcissistic behavior or sociopathy and does not work to assist victims of such abuse. Thank God for good therapists who work within the reality of all situations. This type of therapy may work in certain situations but never in ones dealing with abuse. The reality is you’re being abused and you need to leave that abusive relationship. Don’t fall for “Your response to the abuse is the reason for the abuse” so it’s up to you to change how you see your emotional and/or physical abuse. I’ve experienced that type of “therapy” and it’s destructive.
plz translate in urdu 🙏🙏🙏🙏