Overview: Reality theory is used when a client might not see the world as it really is. As a therapist one would simply point out the facts of the situation to the client and let them know what is real and what might be skewed in their thought process or perception. There are 4 “R’s” that are necessary to change a person’s perception. They are Reality (facts), Relationship/Role, Rapport, and Respect(ful). You need the facts of the situation, the relationship and rapport with the client so they will be willing to listen, and to be respected or talked to in a respectful manner.
Problem: My student, John, doesn’t think he gets into trouble at school. Whenever he is asked what he gets in trouble for he tells me he doesn’t. I know he does because I hear about it from his teachers and the principal often. He doesn’t see that his behavior affects anyone else around him nor does he see it as a problem for his teacher or classmates. I couldn’t tell if he just doesn’t believe it or just lies about it.
What I do: I told John that he does get in trouble. I pointed out the things that he has done in the past and how it has affected him, his teacher and his classmates. I did it in a polite manner and he didn’t seem upset. I just let him know that he wasn’t seeing things as they really were and I wasn’t sure why not but that he needed to understand that his behavior needed to change or worse things could happen as a consequence. He said he understood and would work on doing better in class and about seeing other perspectives. He needed to see reality before his behavior could even start to change.
