Description of Reality Theory
Reality is one of the personal theories that can be used to explain human behavior. This theory was developed in the 1960s by William Glasser (Joyce et al., 2021). It is a framework for counselling and psychotherapy whose approach is based on the belief that human behavior is driven by individual internal motivations such as satisfying basic needs.
According to Glasser’s proposal, people constantly struggle to meet their psychological needs (Joyce et al., 2021). These needs include love, belonging, power, personal achievements, and freedom. The theory outlines that people make behavioral choices that meet the needs above. Some key concepts of reality theory include human basic needs, total behavior, and choice theory.
The basic human needs concept of reality theory stresses that people have inborn psychological needs for love and connection. It also emphasizes that individuals have psychological needs for accomplishment, competence, and independence (Desmet & Fokkinga, 2020). On the other hand, the total behavior concept includes four fundamental components: thinking, feeling, acting, and physiology.
According to reality theory, the components of total behavior are interrelated and mutually affect one another. The concept of choice is also a crucial component of choice theory. This aspect explains how people have the power to make decisions and choices in their lives (Joyce et al., 2021). This aspect of the reality theory explains how people can choose how they want to behave in response to their needs and circumstances and take responsibility for the consequences of these choices. In this paper, I will reflect on reality theory and its applications in counselling.
Personal Theory Reflection
Personal Belief about Human Nature
Reading about reality theory and its concepts of basic human needs, I have come to realize that humans are driven by their innate needs for love, survival, belonging, and fulfillment. According to the reality theory, human needs are considered (Solstad et al., 2022). People strive to meet their innate basic human needs through actions and behavior. Therefore, I agree that individuals can make choices and have intrinsic self-drive for self-actualization.
Personal Belief About Behavior Change
The reading has enabled me to expand my perspectives on behavior change. I have come to realize that behavior change is a process that originates from one’s internal motivations to fulfill basic human needs more effectively. Reality theory suggests that human behavior often results from choices made to meet one’s needs (Joyce et al., 2021). As a result, I believe that behavior change is possible when one has established the consequences of their actions and developed a strong desire to change their behavior. This would enable them to achieve their desired outcomes.
Reality Theory and Behavior Change
From exploring reality theory, I concur that individuals can change who they are and how they behave. According to the concept of choices, reality theory proposes that individuals can make choices that enable them to meet their needs more productively and satisfactorily (Supeni & Jusoh, 2021). By making the right choices, one can attain personal growth and transformation. This can happen because once an individual has understood their needs and chosen a more responsible behavior, they can change their actions and perceptions of themselves, leading to an overall change in character.
Cause of Behavior Change
Reality theory explains how one can change one’s behavior. According to the theory, one must first subject oneself to self-evaluation and self-awareness to change. This process will enable one to recognize the relationship between their behavior and the consequences they experience in their lives. For change to occur, one needs to set realistic goals and develop an effective plan that helps meet their needs effectively, while also taking responsibility for their choices and actions fully.
Additionally, people can seek support to ensure they achieve behavior change. In psychotherapy, empathetic and supportive counselors can facilitate behavior change (Browne et al., 2021). Counselors with such traits can guide their clients as they explore their needs, helping them understand their behavior and its underlying causes. They then finalize by helping them make the right choices that lead to a more fulfilling life.
Major Theory That Best Describes My Beliefs and Values About Counseling
The reality theory aligns with my belief system and values on issues relating to counselling. Reality theory focuses on client well-being by empowering them to take responsibility for their lives. It enables the client to make informed choices, thereby accelerating the healing process (Joyce et al., 2021).
Counselors play a significant role; a good counselor should provide their services without judging, but with an empathetic and understanding approach. This approach empowers the patient to explore their needs and desires. It also allows them to re-evaluate and work towards achieving their goals.
Personal Theory Application
Presenting Problem and Past History
The current problem I would love to tackle is procrastination and time management. I have struggled with time management throughout my life. My struggle with time management has caused me significant problems, resulting in missed deadlines, reduced productivity, and increased stress levels. This difficulty I am encountering has been with me for a long time, and it has affected both my personal and academic life; I fear it might also extend to my work life.
Previously, I have attempted to address the issue through various methods. I have tried to create a schedule and utilize other time management tools to ensure I commit my time to tasks as scheduled. However, I usually return to my old habits by deviating from the schedule. Therefore, it seems that no available strategy would help me overcome this bad habit, as every time I prioritize a task, I struggle to ensure it is completed within the set timeline.
Etiology or Nature of the Problem Using Theoretical Constructs
Reality theory is a suitable framework that enables me to understand how to address the issues of procrastination and time management. According to reality theory, human behavior is influenced by the desire to meet innate basic needs such as love and power (Glasser et al., 2021). In my case, it appears that my behavior stems from a desire for freedom and enjoyment. By procrastinating, it seems that I am seeking immediate pleasure, which often results in negative consequences in the long run.
Proposed Treatment Approach
Addressing my time management issue and procrastination requires gaining insight into my underlying needs and identifying my motivations. This is critical as it will enable me to identify my strengths and weaknesses in overcoming the issue. Upon visiting the therapists, I need to work with them to identify the needs I want to fulfill to overcome procrastination. This process is crucial as it will enable me to identify alternatives to meet those needs.
Techniques to Be Used
Several techniques can be employed to help in overcoming the issue of procrastination. One of the techniques that the therapist can employ to enable me to overcome the presenting issues is the exploration of the choices. Exploring choices is a powerful method that enables individuals to determine whether their current behaviors align with their desires (Glasser et al., 2021). This technique is essential as it will enable me to achieve what I truly want to achieve or experience. Another technique I would employ with the therapist is setting realistic goals that I would achieve. I will ensure I set realistic goals closely tied to time management. I will break down the larger tasks into smaller, manageable tasks. The set goals will outline each step for each task, as this is a vital aspect of this process. I will also develop an action plan as a strategy to overcome procrastination. An action plan is a vital tool often used to ensure tasks are completed within a timeline since it outlines one’s objectives and the resources needed (Glasser et al., 2021). The action plan will outline the strategies I will use to overcome obstacles and ensure I stay on track.
Possible Roadblocks to Change
Every step in overcoming a challenge will inevitably involve some setbacks. In my case, for the proposed treatment, I might encounter roadblocks in overcoming procrastination and time management problems. One of the setbacks to the desired outcome could be emotional resistance. Procrastination may be the coping mechanism I used to overcome stress and anxiety; thus, addressing it may evoke emotional resistance I should confront. Finally, another roadblock to overcoming the problem is my fear of failure. This might derail my ability to change, as it may worry me that setting goals might only lead to mere disappointments.
References
Browne, J., Cather, C., & Mueser, K. T. (2021). Common factors in psychotherapy. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology.
Desmet, P., & Fokkinga, S. (2020). Beyond Maslow’s pyramid: Introducing a typology of thirteen fundamental needs for human-centered design. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 4(3), 38.
Glasser, C., Parish, T., Joyce, L., DiGlangi, H., Norman, S., Wubbolding, R., Rapport, Z., Rothmeyer, R., Morgan, J., Can, A., Robey, P., Kaur, M., Kaur, J., Roth, B., & Tracy, S. (2021). The International journal of choice theory and reality therapy: An on-line journal. William Glasser International, XL(2).
Joyce, L. M., DiGiangi, H., & Norman, S. (2021). Trauma treatment from a choice theory/reality therapy perspective. International Journal of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, 40(2), 15-21.
Solstad, B. E., Granerud, M., Haraldsen, H. M., Gustafsson, H., & Knight, C. J. (2022). An exploration of reciprocity between female athletes and their coach in elite junior swimming: A shared reality theory perspective. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 14(4), 545-563.
Supeni, I., & Jusoh, A. J. (2021). Choice theory and reality therapy to prevent sexual misconduct among youth: A current review of literature. International Journal of Education, Information Technology, and Others, 4(3), 428-436.