What is the main technique used in Reality Therapy?

The primary technique employed in Reality Therapy is active dialogue. This approach emphasizes the importance of open, honest communication and encourages clients to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. Through active dialogue, therapists engage clients in conversations that help them understand their current behavior, assess its effectiveness in meeting their needs, and explore alternatives. This process fosters self-evaluation and personal responsibility, which are central to the principles of Reality Therapy.

Active dialogue facilitates a therapeutic alliance, allowing therapists to guide clients in producing meaningful change by helping them identify their needs and consider how their actions align with fulfilling those needs. Unlike relaxation exercises or behavior modification strategies, which may focus on specific techniques to alleviate symptoms or change behavior, active dialogue is fundamental to the process of self-discovery and personal growth inherent in Reality Therapy.