Reality Therapy and Choice Theory, Essay Example

Abstract

Reality Therapy is based on the choice theory which focuses on the idea that no matter what happened in our past we can make positive choices to influence our future. “The two major components of this theory are creating a trusting environment and focusing on techniques to help a person achieve what it is they really desire in life.” (Reality Therapy, 2008). Our behaviour is chosen so that we can fulfil our basic needs of survival and belonging to an entity. Any forced reality is destructive to the functionality of a satisfactory relationship. Forced reality further creates a disconnection from the people we love, desire and wish to have sustainable and loving relationships with the most.

Historical Context

Dr. William Glasser first introduced Reality Therapy and the Choice Theory around the 1960’s. The idea was to invent a better way to help people take control of their lives. Glasser’s first major job was at a school for delinquent girls who invoked his interest for the combination of therapy and education.  “In 1985 the Institute of Guidance Counsellors arranged for Dr. Glasser to visit Ireland. By 1987 the Irish branch of the William Glasser Institute was founded and now co-ordinates training throughout Ireland.”  (Lennon). In 1995 Glasser commenced writing books on Reality Therapy and it’s relation to alcoholism. In 2000 virtual reality therapy was introduced by Begle creating fearful airline related situations. In 2005 virtual reality therapy was used to alleviate post-traumatic stress symptoms related to the Iraq war.

Major Contributors to the Choice Theory and Reality Therapy

William Glasser was the founder of the Reality Therapy theory in the 1960’s which is based upon the principles of the Choice Theory further simultaneous with the principles of Abraham Maslow of survival, belonging, power, freedom and fun. “The theory is rooted with the classical criminology of Cesare Beccaria who argued that punishment should be clear, vast and severe enough to deter a crime.” (Siegel, 2008). This theory was rooted during the 1790’s of what was believed to be a social attack by witches on the judges, prosecutors and jailers. There was an uprising of direct conflict of these views hence social contract writer voiced their support against abuse and Cesare Beccaria was one of the influential writers of the day. “Beccaria was an Italian writer who sought to change these excessive and cruel punishments by applying the rationalist, social contract ideas to crime and criminal justice.” (“Classical Criminology”).

With relation to criminal penalties the classical theory suggests that crime can be prevented by convincing the alleged criminal that the penalty of committing the crime superiorly outweighs the advantage of committing the crime. “There is little evidence that harsh punishment actually reduces the crime rate. The deterrence theory is criticized because it assumes that criminals can make a rational choice whether to commit a crime and does not factor external conditions such as mental conditions.” (Siegel, 2008).  As you can see the Choice Theory can be used in many facets of the world and such situations.

Key Concepts of Reality Therapy and the Choice Theory

The Choice Theory assumes that people have the ability to make choices in their lives free from any restraint. People are further influenced by the fear that there are penalties associated with being caught for violations of the law such as jail or payment of money to the court. There are several axioms that follow with the choice theory of which the major ones are we can only control ourselves and not others, we cannot do anything about what happened in the past only what is present today can we control, “we can only satisfy our wants and needs by satisfying our Quality World”, we can choose to control our thinking through our behaviour patterns and most long lasting emotional problems are associated with relationship issues.

An Evaluation of the Choice Theory and Reality Therapy from a Religious Perspective

A person’s happiness is respondent upon meeting their individual needs in a balanced manner including the following: love-belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival. “Behaviour that is purposeful can be influenced by incentives that are intrinsically satisfying or constraints that are intrinsically threatening. We cannot help being self-referencing because we are supposed to pursue that which is most valuable and beneficial. Robinson (1989) says this about Aristotle’s psychology:  ‘Aristotle’s psychology is in the main voluntaristic, which is compatible with his ethical and political theories.’” (Skeen, 2003).  Aristotle speaks about a human need for love and consistency and a flourishing of happiness in life. . Some of Aristotle’s words are actually religious in nature.  It is to our advantage to practise our spiritual relationship with God in order to achieve true happiness.

Traherne’s whole system is based on his belief that humans willing and capable having a personal relationship with God.  Our wants are that which bonds us with God in a most cynical manner. God desires for us to have true happiness and we want to be happiness but no one takes the necessary steps to find ‘Holy Happiness’.

References

Reality Therapy (2008) Reality Therapy Retrieved October 20, 2009 from, http://www.journalofrealitytherapy.com/realitytherapy.htm

Lennon, Brian The Use of Reality Therapy in Guidance in Second Level Schools Retrieved October 20, 2009 from, www.ncge.ie/handbook_docs/…/Reality_Therapy_Guide_Sch.doc

Skeen, J. (2003) Discovering Human Happiness: Choice Theory Psychology, Aristotelian Contemplation, and Traherne’s Felicity Retrieved October 20, 2009 from, http://www.quodlibet.net/articles/skeen-choice.shtml

Classical Criminology (2009) Classical Criminology Retrieved October 20, 2009 from, http://law.jrank.org/pages/908/Criminology-Intellectual-History-Classical-criminology.html

Siegel, L. Criminology:  The Core New York: NY, Thompson Publishing, 2008.