Table of Contents
What are the five basic needs of reality therapy?
Choice Theory, which was formulated by psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser, posits that all humans have 5 basic needs (survival, freedom, fun, power, and love/belonging) that we attempt to satisfy through our behavioral choices. What is Choice Theory? Developed by psychiatrist William Glasser, Choice Theory states humans are motivated by a never-ending quest to satisfy 5 basic needs woven into our genes: to love and belong, to be powerful, to be free, to have fun and to survive. Specifically: Survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Originally referred to as control theory and later choice theory, the main ideas of choice theory (Glasser, 1998) are that humans are hardwired with five genetically encoded needs that are present at birth: survival, love and belonging, power and achievement, freedom or independence, and fun. One of the axioms of Choice Theory/Reality Therapy is that all behavior is a total behavior and is composed of four parts: thinking, doing, emotions and physiology (physically what’s going on inside of us). All of these four parts are always going on at the same time. Glasser calls people’s overall functioning total behavior which is made up of four inseparable components: acting, thinking, feeling, and physiology. A human has some physiological needs in order to survive — core needs such as food, shelter, and safety. Humans also require connection with other humans, as well as the opportunity to learn and the potential to fail.
What is an example of reality therapy?
For example, you might say that you can’t stand being disrespected by others. A reality therapist may relabel the problem and say, “Feeling respected by other people is important for you.” This helps you find solutions within problems. In Reality Therapy, the client is accountable for their behavior. There is no getting out or blaming circumstances or people. Clients’ problems result from an inability to fulfill their needs. Instead, clients must face reality, become responsible, and correct themselves when they misbehave or perform poorly. Reality therapy can be used when disconnects occur within various relationships and situations, such as: Educational settings. Employment situations. Relationships with peers. Reality therapy is a client-centered form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on improving present relationships and circumstances, with less concern and discussion of past events. Both Reality Therapy and CBT are about developing self-knowledge and skills which empower the client, and this is done through working together, therapist and client, in a collaborative manner.