PSY-315: Reality Therapy - Part I (CC)

Summary

In this insightful script, reality therapy is explored through a session with Todd, a retired military man experiencing mild depression. The therapy focuses on identifying his needs for love, belonging, and freedom, and how his past behaviors have shaped his current reality. Using the WDEP model, the counselor, Dr. Sylinda Gilchrist, helps Todd evaluate his current actions and envision a plan for change that includes seeking social support without obligations, aiming to improve his quality of life.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Reality therapy posits that every behavior is an attempt to meet five inborn needs: love and belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival.
• 🤔 Dysfunctional behaviors can arise when individuals try to meet these needs inappropriately, affecting their perception of reality.
• 🌟 Choice theory is a concept in reality therapy that suggests clients create their reality through the behaviors they choose.
• 👤 The WDEP model is a framework used in reality therapy counseling, involving Wanting, Doing, Evaluating, and Planning for change.
• 🗣️ W stands for 'What', asking clients what they want to create a quality world or success identity.
• 🏃‍♂️ D is for 'Doing', where the counselor inquires about the client's current choices and behaviors to achieve their desired world.
• 🔍 E signifies 'Evaluating', helping clients assess their actions and identify more effective behaviors for a better life.
• 📝 P is for 'Planning', where a plan for change is developed in the therapeutic process.
• 🤝 The therapeutic process emphasizes creating a trusting environment and working collaboratively with clients as equal partners.
• 🎭 The role play demonstrates a session with Todd, a retired military man experiencing mild depression due to life transitions and a lack of social support.
• 🔄 Todd's struggle with depression is linked to his transition from a structured military life to a more isolated civilian life, highlighting the importance of social connections and support systems.

Q & A

What are the five inborn needs identified by reality therapy?

The five inborn needs identified by reality therapy are love and belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival.

How does reality therapy suggest people create their reality?

Reality therapy suggests that people create their reality through the behaviors they choose, which are often attempts to meet their inborn needs.

What is the WDEP model in reality therapy?

The WDEP model in reality therapy stands for Wants (what the client desires for a quality world), Doing (the behaviors the client is currently exhibiting), Evaluation (assessing the effectiveness of these behaviors), and Planning (developing a plan for change).

Why might a CEO become depressed according to reality therapy?

A CEO might become depressed if they have focused excessively on fulfilling their need for power while neglecting other needs like love and belonging, leading to an imbalance in their quality of life.

What is the role of a therapist in reality therapy?

In reality therapy, the therapist's role is to create a trusting environment, work collaboratively with the client as equal partners, and help the client explore and choose new behaviors to meet their needs effectively.

What issues is Todd facing after retiring from the military?

Todd is facing issues related to feeling unmotivated, overwhelmed, and disconnected after retiring from the military. He has lost the support system and responsibilities he had while serving, and now struggles with his role as a single parent and student.

Why does Todd feel he has become a 'cave dweller'?

Todd feels he has become a 'cave dweller' because he has isolated himself, losing contact with his former military friends and support system, and now primarily interacts only with his 11-year-old son.

What type of social interaction does Todd believe would improve his well-being?

Todd believes that more interactions with adults, similar to the camaraderie he had in the military, would improve his well-being. He misses the support and connection he had with others.

What concerns does Todd have about joining social groups or activities?

Todd is concerned about the obligation and commitment that come with joining social groups or activities. He fears feeling guilty if he cannot meet these obligations and wants the freedom to opt out when necessary.

How does Sylinda Gilchrist suggest helping Todd reconnect socially?

Sylinda Gilchrist suggests finding activities that allow Todd to interact with other adults without time restraints or obligations, helping him expand his social circle while respecting his need for flexibility.