Category Archives: Personal Freedom

Reality Check: Different people; different strengths

Posted on October 14, 2013 by RealityCheck

Different people are different. OK, you knew that already. Something else you may know is that there are people who think, believe, and act in ways that can seem baffling. At some point, you will likely find yourself working, interacting, … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: The computer made me do it…

Posted on May 5, 2013 by RealityCheck

Can a computer “make” you mad? If you’ve ever sat in front of one when things aren’t going well, you understand the question! Whatever the problem: the printer won’t print, the email won’t email, or google declines to google, you’re … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Shaking Off External Control

Posted on November 10, 2012 by RealityCheck

Last column, I described a mother-daughter conflict where mom, Sandy, tried to compel her daughter Chloe to study in a specific way. Sandy is convinced that she knows what’s best for Chloe. Now, let’s look at the situation from Chloe’s … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Ease off External Control

Posted on November 4, 2012 by RealityCheck

The Reality Therapy approach emphasizes that when we use external control, unhappy relationships are the likely result. What is external control, exactly? In “Take Charge of Your Life,” Dr. Glasser says, “In a relationship, it is a belief that what … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: A Picture of Perfection

Posted on September 24, 2012 by RealityCheck

Selma had looked forward to retirement with great anticipation. Healthy and frugal, with both a good pension and physical well-being, she pictured a perfect retirement. Travel, home renovations, dinners and outings with friends—all are experiences she’s been postponing. Now, it’s … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: What is closure, and how does one get it?

Posted on July 29, 2012 by RealityCheck

Whether you have wronged someone or someone has wronged you, healing sometimes involves closure. Closure implies putting the event behind you; “closing the door,” so to speak. How does one get closure? Rachel was Emily’s best friend, but no longer. … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Overcoming a longstanding upset

Posted on June 25, 2012 by RealityCheck

If you seek out self-development resources for inspiration, then you already know that gurus, teachers, and coaches suggest that it’s helpful to have a positive outlook. But what if that positivity eludes you? Tashia “knows” that anyone she meets is … 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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