Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: The Fairest of Them All

Posted on March 16, 2012 by RealityCheck

No, this column isn’t about Snow White; it’s about fairness. Of course, Snow White’s beauty did offer her an unfair advantage over the wicked queen. And, the wicked queen had the unfair advantage of power. Fairness is complicated, isn’t it? … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Can’t, Won’t, Don’t? or Can, Will, Do?

Posted on March 10, 2012 by RealityCheck

I can’t, I won’t, I don’t want! There’s always something that we can’t do, won’t do, or don’t want. And, there are things that we can do, will do, and do want. Which is most helpful to focus on? Elyssa … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Recognizing the Freedom to Choose

Posted on March 4, 2012 by RealityCheck

Once upon a time, Emma and William had a great relationship. Then, Emma decided she wanted to marry William, but William was reluctant to comply. Does the need for  freedom have an impact here? Emma doesn’t think she’s seeking freedom; … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Choice and Personal Freedom

Posted on February 24, 2012 by RealityCheck

The theory underlying Reality Therapy is outlined in the book, “Choice Theory,” with the subtitle, “A new psychology of personal freedom.”  What does choice theory have to do with personal freedom? Dr. Glasser refers to the need for freedom as … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Thinking of “Thank You”

Posted on February 16, 2012 by RealityCheck

Self-help programs often promote the benefits of gratitude. Especially during those times when you are feeling particularly ungrateful, thinking and saying “thank you” can be really helpful. Let’s say you wake up feeling grumpy. Sometimes it happens! There may be … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: “Constructive” Criticism; Is it a Con?

Posted on February 9, 2012 by RealityCheck

People often try to be helpful, though it might not seem that way when you’re on the receiving end of their helpfulness. For example, think about how you would feel if you were told, “You seem awfully cranky. You should … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Workable Conflict

Posted on February 4, 2012 by RealityCheck

A workable conflict is one where work can improve the situation. That’s in contrast to the other type of conflict—unworkable—where you’re truly between “a rock and a hard place” and no amount of work will result in improvement. Workable conflicts … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: An Unworkable Conflict

Posted on January 26, 2012 by RealityCheck

Opportunities for conflict abound. That’s reality. Whether those conflicts grow into overwhelming difficulties or fade into minor irritations can depend largely on the choices we make. That’s reality therapy. What behaviours are helpful when we’re faced with a conflict?

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Reality Check: If Romeo and Juliet knew Choice Theory…

Posted on January 22, 2012 by RealityCheck

Great romances can make for great drama, and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet pretty much takes the cake for drama, complexity, and unfortunate outcome. Drama occurs in present-day romances too,

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Control, Need-Satisfaction, and Alcohol

Posted on January 15, 2012 by RealityCheck

Do you know someone who is trapped in a difficult, unsatisfying situation? It’s painful to watch, isn’t it? It’s even worse if you perceive that a happy, satisfying life could be readily available. Mick and Minnie’s friends see a simple … Continue reading →

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