Case Study
u10a1 Project: Case Study
COUN5239
Theories of Psychotherapy
INTRODUCTION
The five basic needs, survival, belonging, power, fun, and freedom, of every human being is the underlying concept of Reality Therapy. Attempting to fulfill these needs is what motivates all human behavior. Choice theory is the major construct of reality therapy and operates under the notion that all human beings are responsible for their own behavior and choices. Choices that meet one of the five basic needs are considered positive and healthy for development. WDEP system is a practical tool that helps therapist guide clients through the process of reality therapy. WDEP represents “W is “what do you want,” D is “what are doing about it”, E is evaluation”, and p is setting a plan” into motion (Kastner, 2006, p.21). The case study of Natalie below is an example of how conflict can affect the choices one makes in attempt to meet one’s five basic needs. The case study will discuss how regret, acceptance, or belonging can affect a persons choices and how overcoming negative emotions can help one live a more fulfilled life.
CASE HISTORY OF NATALIE Natalie is a successful attorney in Washington D.C., who advocates for those in the LGBT community who face discrimination in the work place. Natalie is a lesbian and has been with her partner Michelle for five years. Natalie grew up in a Caucasian upper middle class neighborhood, in Georgia and is an only child. Natalie met Michelle while in law school in Virginia. When the started dating Natalie still had not come out to her parents, Natalie initially passed Michelle off as her roommate. Natalie came out to her parents after graduation and decided to move to Washington D.C. to be with Michelle. Michelle proposed to Natalie and Natalie accepted. Same sex marriage is legal in Washington D.C.. After the wedding, Natalie and Michelle are planning to have a child. Natalie’s parents know that Natalie
COUN5239
Theories of Psychotherapy
INTRODUCTION
The five basic needs, survival, belonging, power, fun, and freedom, of every human being is the underlying concept of Reality Therapy. Attempting to fulfill these needs is what motivates all human behavior. Choice theory is the major construct of reality therapy and operates under the notion that all human beings are responsible for their own behavior and choices. Choices that meet one of the five basic needs are considered positive and healthy for development. WDEP system is a practical tool that helps therapist guide clients through the process of reality therapy. WDEP represents “W is “what do you want,” D is “what are doing about it”, E is evaluation”, and p is setting a plan” into motion (Kastner, 2006, p.21). The case study of Natalie below is an example of how conflict can affect the choices one makes in attempt to meet one’s five basic needs. The case study will discuss how regret, acceptance, or belonging can affect a persons choices and how overcoming negative emotions can help one live a more fulfilled life.
CASE HISTORY OF NATALIE Natalie is a successful attorney in Washington D.C., who advocates for those in the LGBT community who face discrimination in the work place. Natalie is a lesbian and has been with her partner Michelle for five years. Natalie grew up in a Caucasian upper middle class neighborhood, in Georgia and is an only child. Natalie met Michelle while in law school in Virginia. When the started dating Natalie still had not come out to her parents, Natalie initially passed Michelle off as her roommate. Natalie came out to her parents after graduation and decided to move to Washington D.C. to be with Michelle. Michelle proposed to Natalie and Natalie accepted. Same sex marriage is legal in Washington D.C.. After the wedding, Natalie and Michelle are planning to have a child. Natalie’s parents know that Natalie
References: Cameron, A. (2009). Regret, choice theory and reality therapy. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 28(2), 40-42. Hoogstad, J. (2008). Choice theory and emotional dependency. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 28(1), 63-68. Kastner, B. (2006). Choice theory as it applies to different backdrops--A case study. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 26(1), 20-22. Mottern, R. (2008). Choice theory as a model of adult development. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 27(2), 35-39. Wubbolding, R. (2005). The power of belonging. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 24(2), 43-44.