ABSTRACT
In some of the more conventional psychiatric approaches, the therapist is taught to remain as impersonal and objective as possible, regarded by some observers as being somewhat 'aloof' from the client. By contrast, in Reality Therapy the creation of effective 'involvement' – a term used frequently by William Glasser – is regarded as absolutely essential to the counselling process. To establish a counselling relationship conducive to positive change, the guidelines have proved very effective, although it should be stressed that they are suggestions or guidelines and not rigid 'must do's'. In Reality Therapy the development of an authentic, warm and trusting relationship is regarded as essential to effective counselling. The counsellor attempts to remain courteous, calm and unintimidated despite the upset displayed by the client. In teaching Reality Therapy to counsellors, Glasser has often said that a message to be communicated to clients is, 'this is a 'work-it-out' office'.
