Reality therapy is based on which orientation to understanding human behavior?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral
• B. Existential-phenomenological
• C. Behavioral
• D. Humanistic

Answer: (B)

Reality therapy is fundamentally linked to the existential-phenomenological orientation, which emphasizes individual experiences, subjective understanding, and the search for meaning in life. This approach, developed by William Glasser, focuses on helping clients make choices that lead to fulfilling and responsible lives. It operates under the premise that people's behaviors are based on their needs and the choices they make to meet those needs, rather than being solely a product of their environment or past experiences.

In reality therapy, the therapist collaborates with clients to explore their current behaviors, identify unmet needs, and facilitate change based on the clients' life goals and values. This aligns closely with the existential-phenomenological perspective, which values personal freedom, responsibility, and self-awareness as essential components of human experience. By focusing on the present and encouraging clients to take active roles in shaping their lives, reality therapy exemplifies this orientation in its approach to understanding and influencing human behavior.