What is Reality Therapy?
Reality Therapy is a therapeutic approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. It focuses on improving relationships, problem-solving, and making better choices for one’s future, all while avoiding focusing solely on past events. Developed by Dr. William Glasser, reality therapy is focused on the here, rather than the past. This approach is formed around the idea that it is vastly important that every person feels loved, needs to be loved and to feel as though they belong. All of our basic needs are met only by building up strong connections with others and having a sense of purpose.
At Beartooth Men’s Rehab, we use reality therapy, as well as other forms of cognitive behavior therapy and “the stages of change” to create a unique and effective approach to overcome addictions and behavior issues. Our therapy methods help these young men understand that we cannot control how we feel, but we can control how we decide to think and behave. Our goal is to help each person within our program learn to control their reactions and eventually improve their wellbeing by learning to make better choices.
Learning Trust & Respect
The core idea of reality therapy is to build trusting relationships between each young man and our staff. This relationship is nurtured by finding healthier paths for each young man to meet their basic needs that include:
- Self-worth
- Love & belonging
- Survival
- Freedom
- Fun
The way that these young men have been trying to achieve these basic life necessities may have been harmful to themselves, those around them, or likely both. Together, we’ll find solutions to help these young men to achieve their goals in a process that isn’t harming anyone. They’ll learn that their thoughts and actions are within their control, and learn to respect that personal responsibility in themselves, and others.
When Is It Used?
As this therapeutic method focusing on personal problem solving, it can be an effective path for a wide variety of behavioral issues, mental health disorders, and addictions. This can be helpful to any teen or young adult who is at-risk.
How Reality Therapy Works
Reality therapy is founded on the idea that every person, regardless of their defining characteristics, seeks out five basic needs. When these needs aren’t met, mental health issues can arise. These needs are:
- Self-worth & achievement
- Love & belonging; being part of a family or community of loved ones
- Independence
- Fun
- Survival (basic needs such as food, water, and shelter)
The idea is that every person has the chance and choice to make decisions to solve the problems in their lives. Their behavior and choices will affect their futures, meaning each choice should be made with careful thought. Each young man learns that he can’t control others, but he can control himself and the way he seeks out his five basic needs.
Is Reality Therapy Right For My Son?
We believe our programs are helpful to any at-risk young man that has had, or is having issues connecting with himself, his family and his community. Whether this is because of emotional trauma, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or a combination of all.
If your son has a difficult time showing respect, trusting those who are trustworthy, or problems controlling his behavior, this type of cognitive behavioral therapy may be best for him. Although every person will work through their traumas and issues at a different pace, the results are an improvement in personal relationships, and practicing techniques to achieve one’s goals and see positive behaviors.
Beartooth Men’s Rehab Focus
We believe in teaching the young men in our care that responsibility and accountability are the most important concepts in reality therapy. We believe that the foundation of this entire method is never accepting behaviors that are intolerable and or disruptive. As reality therapy is aimed at helping the person in trouble gain more effective control over his life.
The young man can use these new skills to improve his success in school, the workforce, and in life. This process has been proven effective in education, parenting, and leadership. This type of emotional intelligence training lends itself to any situation where people need to learn how to satisfy their needs and solve life’s problems in responsible ways.
Beartooth Men’s Rehab Belief
Our young adult men’s rehab program is based on the belief that we all choose what we do with our lives, and that we alone are responsible for the outcome of our choices. Focusing on young men’s core beliefs, behavioral patterns, and choices will lead him to self-realization.
Beartooth Men’s Rehab Mentors
Our trained staff of mentors provide a highly effective approach. They become involved with the young men in our program and help them examine their current behaviors. Their primary goal is to improve their future with:
- Therapy treatment
- Faith-based virtue formation exercises
- Restoring core values
An individual who is frustrated, or is frustrating others, is taught by his mentors to evaluate what he is doing, and learn to practice positive behaviors. Each mentor should:
- Be friendly & listen to others.
- Focus on the present, not the past.
- Discuss feelings & physiological responses.
- Accept no excuses for irresponsible behavior.
- Avoiding punishing, criticizing, or attempting to protect the person from the reasonable consequences of behavior.
- Empower the person to take responsibility for his choices & actions.
Get The Help You Need At Beartooth Men’s Rehab Program
(307) 899-3424
Beartooth Men’s Rehab prides itself in having programs that incorporate reality therapy, virtue, training, faith, and responsibility back into a young man’s life. If you think your son or loved one can benefit from this form of therapy treatment program, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
