ABSTRACT
A skilled user of Reality Therapy applies a three-step methodology to relationship counselling: assessment, intervention and action. The therapist first assesses the desire on the part of the clients to stay together, to maintain the relationship and to enhance their intimacy. Their level of commitment both to the relationship itself and to the effort to improve is identified. Reality Therapy applied to relationship counselling includes two major interventions: determination of the strength of some needs and use of quality time as a foundation for closeness. The high-intensity need for belonging in both people is probably conducive to a good relationship, but a high need for power in both partners could spell trouble. Many tensions emerge in the best of relationships such as marriage, friendship and those between parent and child. Having a job, a hobby, friends, social involvements, even a set of opinions or beliefs that individuals can claim as their own is very helpful in maintaining healthy relationships.
