One of the limitations of using reality-therapy principles with ethnic minorities, Gary and lesbians and women is that these clients may not feel that this approach takes into account, some very real environmental forces that are operating against them in everyday life. For example, discrimination room, racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism, and negative attitudes toward disabilities are unfortunate realities, and these forces do limit many minority clients in getting what theylwant from life. If the group leader does net accept these environmental restrictions or is not interested in social change as well as individual change, members are likely to feel misunderstood There is a danger that some reality therapists may overstretch the ability of these clients to take charge of their life. Such clients may interpret the group leader's line of questioning as "If you try hard enough, you can pull yourself up by your bootstraps and become anything you choose." Group members who get such messages may prematurely leave the group in the belief that leader and other members are not fully appreciating their everyday struggles. Rather than being a fault of the reality-therapy approach, this is more a limitation of some who practice it.
As we have seen, some clients are reluctant to say what they want. Their culture has not reinforced them for asking assertively for what they desire, and in face, they may be socialized to think more of what is good for the social group and not to be so concerned with their individualistic wants. In working with people with this cultural background, reality therapy must be “softened” somewhat, and such clients should not be pushed to declare their wants assertively.
In writing about the multicultural applications of reality therapy, Wubbolding (1990b) notes that although the basic theory has universal application, translating principles into practice needs to be geared to the individual’s cultural background. The challenge is to find ways of adapting reality therapy to the diversity we encounter in our groups. rather than expecting (or forcing) these clients to adapt to and neatly correspond with the theory. As with other theories and the techniques that flow from them, flexibility is a foremost requirement.
Where to Go from Here
The programs offered by the Institute for Reality Therapy are designed to teach the concepts of control theory and the practice of reality therapy. The institute offers a certification process, which starts with a one-week intensive seminar in which participants become involved in discussions, demonstrations, and role playing. For those wishing to pursue certification in reality therapy, a supervised practicum is arranged to best meet the needs of each trainee. There is also a second intensive week and a second practicum. The basic and the advanced practicum each entail a minimum of 30 hours over least a six-month period. For further information about these training programs, contact either of these two organization:
Institute for Reality Therapy
Dr. William Glasser, President
7301 Medical Center Drive, Suite 407
Canoga Park, CA 91307
Telephone: (818) 888-0688
Center For Reality Therapy
Dr. Robert E. Wubbolding, Director
777 Motgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236-4258
Telephone: (513) 561-1911