Choice Theory and Reality Therapy is a highly practical, present-focused form of psychotherapy. Its central tenet is that we are internally motivated and choose all our behavior, including our thoughts and feelings, in an attempt to meet five basic, universal needs.

Who Created Choice Theory/Reality Therapy?

Choice Theory was developed by American psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser starting in the 1960s, with his ideas evolving into the structured practice known as Reality Therapy.

Choice Theory is the theoretical foundation, positing that all human behavior is an attempt to satisfy five genetically encoded, basic needs:

1. Survival (self-preservation and health)

2. Love and Belonging (social, family, and intimate connections)

3. Power (self-worth, achievement, and competence)

4. Freedom (independence and autonomy)

5. Fun (laughter, learning, and enjoyment)

Reality Therapy is the methodology used to help clients apply Choice Theory. Glasser argued that symptoms of psychological distress are the result of unsatisfactory relationships and the choices we make to deal with them (Glasser, 2000).

Perspectives in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy

The Therapist's Perspective

The Choice Theory/Reality Therapy therapist acts as a teacher and mentor. Their perspective is firmly rooted in the idea that clients are responsible for their own choices and behaviors. They reject the idea of external control, viewing things like anxiety, depression, and anger not as external forces or illnesses, but as chosen behaviors (e.g., "depressing" or "anxietying") that the client is doing to try and cope with life or maintain control.

The therapist's role is non-judgmental, but highly direct and challenging, focusing on:

• Establishing a warm, trusting relationship.

• Focusing only on the present and the future.

• Helping the client evaluate their current behavior against their Wants (what's in their Quality World) and determining if the behavior is working.

• Assisting the client in making new, effective action plans.

The Client's Perspective

The client in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy shifts from viewing themselves as a victim of circumstances to recognizing their agency and responsibility for their choices. They learn to accept the powerful, yet sometimes uncomfortable, truth that while they cannot control others, they can control their own actions, thoughts, and feelings.

The client learns to answer key questions:

• What do I really want? (Wants)

• What am I doing right now to get what I want? (Doing)

• Is this current behavior working for me? (Evaluation)

• What plan can I make to do something different? (Planning)

This process encourages clients to move away from blaming or complaining and toward taking effective action to meet their needs.

What to Expect in a Choice Theory/Reality Therapy Session

Reality Therapy uses a structured, eight-step process known as the WDEP System (Wubbolding, 2017) to guide the session and facilitate change:

1. Wants and Needs (W): Clarifying what the client wants and what five basic needs they are trying to satisfy. The therapist often explores the client's Quality World—the mental picture album of people, things, and ideas that best satisfy their needs.

2. Direction and Doing (D): Exploring the client's current total behavior (actions, thoughts, feelings, and physiology). The focus is heavily on actions because they are the easiest components to change.

3. Evaluation (E): The most critical step. The client evaluates if their current total behavior is helping or hindering them from getting what they want. The therapist challenges, "Is what you are doing working for you?"

4. Planning and Commitment (P): If the behavior is ineffective, the client creates a specific, workable plan of action (e.g., S.A.M.I.C. criteria: Simple, Attainable, Measurable, Immediate, Controlled by the client). The client commits to following the plan.

Sessions are active, concrete, and often involve humor. The therapist avoids talking about symptoms, transference, or dwelling on the past.

How Choice Theory/Reality Therapy Can Help a Person

Choice Theory/Reality Therapy helps a person by empowering them to become more effective at meeting their basic needs in responsible, fulfilling ways.

• Increases Personal Responsibility: It moves clients from a victim mentality to one of personal power and choice, recognizing they can choose different responses to external stimuli.

• Improves Relationships: Since Glasser sees most distress as relational, the therapy teaches clients to use connecting habits (e.g., listening, supporting, trusting) instead of deadly habits (e.g., criticizing, blaming, complaining) in their relationships.

• Enhances Problem-Solving: By using the WDEP system, clients learn a practical, step-by-step method for evaluating ineffective behaviors and consistently making positive, values-based changes.

Common Uses and Applications (DSM-5 Disorders and Life Problems)

Reality Therapy is widely used in settings where practical, action-oriented change is desired. While it is not traditionally used as a primary, standalone treatment for severe mental illnesses requiring medication, it is highly effective for:

• Relationship and Marital Problems: Teaching couples to use connecting habits and recognize external control is destructive.

• General Life Dissatisfaction: Helping clients clarify their Quality World and commit to behaviors that bring them closer to it.

• School and Behavioral Issues: Often used effectively in schools and group counseling to teach students self-evaluation and accountability.

• Addictions and Substance Use: Focusing on the choices the client makes and helping them find healthier ways to meet their needs (Wubbolding, 2017).

• Anger Management and Aggressive Behavior.

References

Glasser, W. (2000). Reality therapy in action. HarperCollins Publishers.

Wubbolding, R. E. (2017). Reality therapy: Theories of psychotherapy series. American Psychological Association. Take Control of Your Choices

Are you ready to stop focusing on what you can't control and start making effective choices to live the life you want?

A Choice Theory/Reality Therapy trained professional can help you clearly define your needs, evaluate your choices, and make an achievable plan for a more satisfying life.