Please respond to each classmate post with at least 125 words and reference.
Classmate 1:
Choice therapy was developed by William Glasser, who believed that human identity is not defined by a mental health diagnosis, but rather people are affected by their choices and must take responsibility for their actions and decisions (Corey, 2021). He believed there is direct correlation between five basic needs being met and the presence of mental illness. Choice theory ultimately describes how and why we function (Corey, 2021). This theory rationalizes all we ever do is behave, and with some exceptions, everything we do is chosen or at least generated from within ourselves. Every total behavior is our best attempt to get what we want to satisfy our needs (Corey, 2021). Choice therapy provides the theoretical framework for reality therapy.
Reality therapy aims to help clients have more effective control over their lives. One helpful analogy, “if choice theory is the highway, reality therapy is the vehicle delivering the product” (Corey, 2021). The “WDEP” system was developed to help guide the practice of reality therapy. In the first stage the client is assisted in discovering their wants and hopes. This is applicable to what the client wants from the therapy process, but also to the world around them as well. The second stage focuses more on the present. At this stage the client and therapist explore the question “what are you doing?” This stage suggests that problems must be solved either in the present or through a plan for the future (Corey, 2021) Listening to clients talk about feelings can be productive, but only if it is linked to what they are doing. This leads us to the third stage that consists of self-evaluation. This evaluation encourages one to consider their behavioral direction, specific actions, wants, perceptions, new directions, and plans (Corey, 2021). This self-assessment is what helps clients see advantages of changing behaviors and it is believed that without an honest self-assessment change is not likely. The final stage is known as the planning and action stage. It is here, clients and therapists work together to identify ways to fill the wants and needs of the person. This is done through exploration of new behaviors and the development of an action plan. We must keep in mind that these plans can be changed and adapted if parts of it do not work. Typically, clients begin to accept consequences for his or her actions and decisions (Corey, 2021).
Total human behavior is a concept that is present throughout each stage of the reality therapy model. This concept suggests that all behavior is made up of four inseparable components: acting, thinking, feeling, and physiology. Total behavior focuses on what the person can do directly which is think and act. “Since every behavior is a total behavior, when people change their actions and thinking, their physiology and feelings also change” (Mottern, 2016).
As we examine human behaviors we consider actions and how they influence psychotherapy outcomes. Social action directly correlates with feminist therapy. It refers to the phase in which clients become involved in community organizations and activities. This may include volunteering at a rape crisis center, lobbying lawmakers, or providing education in the community about controversial topics (Corey, 2021). Such participation typically makes clients feel empowered and helps them see the correlation between their own experiences and the sociopolitical context in which they live and as a result self-esteem will increase.
Another component of the feminist therapy model is the application to group therapy. It is common practice for feminist therapist to encourage clients to move to a group format of therapy. This group setting often serves as a support group for women and fosters realization they are not alone, validating their own experiences. Feminist multicultural therapy is an integrative approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes a systems-level understanding of psychological distress and the process of therapeutic change (Wolf et. al., 2018). It is believed that feminist therapy actually has the most in common with multicultural perspectives. Feminists therapists are often focused on analyzing and considering cultural beliefs and practices that discriminate against, subordinate, and restrict the potential of groups of individuals. Similar concepts are often seen in multi-cultural therapy as well.
References
Corey, Gerald. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-30526372-7
Mottern, R. (2016, April 7). Understanding Total Behaviors. Retrieved May 13, 2024, from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-total-behaviors-ron-mottern-ph-d-
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Wolf, J., Williams, E.N., Darby, M. Herald, J. & Shultz, C. (2018). Just for Women? Feminist Multicultural Therapy with Male Clients. Sex Roles 78, 439–450. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-017-0819-y
Classmate 2:
Choice Theory was developed by an American psychiatrist, Dr. William Glasser. According to Glasser, almost all human problems are relational, stemming from our attempts to control others or failure to satisfy these basic needs. Choice Theory suggests that human behavior is driven by an internal motivation to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. While “Choice Therapy” is often used interchangeably with “Reality Therapy,” it specifically refers to the therapeutic application of Choice Theory. In Choice Therapy, the therapist helps clients understand their behavior, assess whether it meets their needs, and make more effective choices that lead to greater satisfaction and fewer relational conflicts (Cervantes et al., 2018).
Reality Therapy is based on Choice Theory. It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and focuses on the present moment rather than the past. The goal is to help individuals make better choices that align with their needs and values. Reality therapy starts with building a trusting and supportive relationship between therapist and client. It is important to explore current actions and help clients evaluate the effectiveness of their behaviors in meeting their needs. Therapy should create a specific, realistic plan to change behavior and encourage clients to commit to the plan. It is also important to avoid punishment or criticism and maintain a supportive stance (Koleshtajani et al., 2022).
Total behavior is a key concept in Choice Therapy. Its components include acting, thinking, feeling, and physiology. Clinical implication is a holistic approach to help clients see how changes in one area can influence overall behavior and well-being. Social action in therapy refers to the collective efforts to address and change societal issues that affect mental health and well-being. This includes advocating for policy changes, raising awareness, and working on social conditions. By interacting social action into therapy, therapists can empower clients to engage in activism and advocacy for those marginalized (Choice Therapy, n.d.).
Feminist theory in group work emphasizes empowerment, equality, and social justice. In group settings, it fosters a supportive environment where participants can share experiences, challenge societal norms, and work collaboratively for the better good. Feminists therapy focuses on gender, power, and social inequalities, highlighting how these factors impact mental health and well-being. Multicultural therapy emphasizes the importance of cultural context, addressing how race, ethnicity, and cultural background influence psychological processes and outcomes. Both approaches prioritize social justice, empowerment, and the recognition of systemic inequalities. They complement each other by providing a broader understanding of how various forms of identity and social location intersect to shape individual experiences. Feminist therapy’s emphasis on gender and power dynamics aligns with multicultural therapy’s focus on cultural competence and sensitivity, allowing for a more holistic and inclusive approach to therapy (Fotaki & Pullen, 2023).
Reference
Koleshtajani, E. J., Zabihi, R., & Yekta, M. A. (2022). The effectiveness of reality therapy on sexual satisfaction and marital intimacy of infertile women. Journal of education and health promotion, 11, 275. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_1106_21
Cervantes, S. N., & Robey, P. A. (2018). Aligning reality therapy and choice theory psychology with cognitive psychology. International Journal of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, 38(1), 13–20.
Fotaki, M., & Pullen, A. (2023). Feminist Theories and Activist Practices in Organization Studies. Organization Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/01708406231209861
Choice Theory. (n.d.). Www.choicetheory.com. ttps://www.choicetheory.com/ct.htm
