Wubbolding, R. (2000). Reality therapy for the 21st century. New York: Routledge.

Reviewer:
Chris McNaught

Curricular Areas:
Assessment, Counselor Education, Helping Relationships/Counseling Theory, Supervision

Subject Headings:
Communication, Depression, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Review:
Wubbolding presents a summary of Reality Therapy (RT) in twelve chapters. Starting with a group of case studies, Wubbolding challenges readers to examine their current beliefs and how they might interact with the clients in the case studies. The next three chapters explain the origins of Choice Theory and how RT is different than other therapeutic choices. Wubbolding moves into specific application of the therapy and interventions used. The author finishes with a research based rationale for the effectiveness of RT, citing a number of research studies that confirm the effectiveness of RT, while also stating the need for continued research. While RT is similar to REBT, the significant difference comes in the view of choice. RT "emphasizes choice as a means to more effective living rather than implying that a change in thinking is a prerequisite.” (p. 32) Choice Theory, upon which RT is based, comes from the idea that choice is a universal idea available to everyone. RT also has similarities with other counseling theories (p. 36-7): 1) People are essentially good. 2) People are responsible for their behavior and 3) behavior has a purpose. 4) Effective therapy is based on a positive counseling relationship.

This text might be useful for any counselor wanting more information about how to incorporate Reality Therapy in their practice, or as a refresher for current reality therapists. This book could be especially useful for graduate students working to discover their theory of choice. Reality Therapy is suited to clients with almost any issue; to limit its use to specific kinds of clients would be to minimize Glasser’s belief in its purpose: Reality Therapy is intended for clients who want something different. It can be used in individual sessions, group work and is especially effective in marriage and family therapy. RT is respectful of cultural identity and is taught in countries all over the world. The therapeutic techniques and interventions can be adapted and modified to work with any culture, including cultures of country, language, minority status, religion, ethnicity and political association. Wubbolding includes specific recommendations for several cultural groups, using transcripts to demonstrate how RT language changes with different clients from different cultures.