What is a central idea of reality therapy?

• A. Our thoughts control our actions
• B. We choose our behavior and are responsible for our feelings
• C. Unconscious motives drive our decisions
• D. Past experiences shape our present

Answer: (B)

A central idea of reality therapy is that individuals have the ability to choose their behavior and are ultimately responsible for their feelings. This therapeutic approach, developed by William Glasser, emphasizes personal responsibility and the notion that people can exert control over their choices, regardless of their circumstances. It encourages clients to evaluate their current behaviors and how those align with their desires and needs, leading to more satisfying relationships and a healthier emotional state.

In reality therapy, clients are guided to recognize that while they may face challenges and external pressures, they still possess the power to make choices that affect their lives positively. This focus on personal agency is what sets reality therapy apart from approaches that emphasize unconscious motives or past experiences as determinative factors in behavior. Instead, reality therapy promotes a proactive mindset, urging individuals to pursue fulfilling lives by making conscious, informed decisions that align with their goals and values.