ABSTRACT
Reality therapy is an active, directive, and didactic model for change that stresses the person's present behavior. A basic tenet of reality therapy is that individuals are responsible for their own behavior. Reality therapy is seen as "kicking the shins" of traditional psychiatry and setting forth a differing approach to mental illness. The goal of reality therapy is to teach people better ways to fulfill their needs and to get what they want from life. A variety of core values and beliefs are basic to reality therapy. Reality therapy is a viable method for use with either a long-term open-ended group or with a close-ended shorter term group. The use of a group has the potential of enhancing the major concepts of reality therapy that are intended to help the client change. A major task of the therapist using reality therapy in a group is to develop and encourage member-to-member interactions.
