Does reality therapy discourage the therapist from mentoring the client?

In the context of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, the correct view emphasizes that mentoring, in the traditional sense of guiding or advising a client based on the therapist's expertise or experiences, can become counterproductive. Reality Therapy focuses on helping clients become more self-aware and responsible for their choices, ultimately aiming to empower them to make their own decisions rather than relying on a mentor figure.

The aim of Reality Therapy is to create a collaborative relationship where the therapist facilitates the client's exploration of their needs and behaviors, rather than taking on an authoritative or directive role typical of mentoring. This approach encourages clients to recognize their capacity for self-determination and to take charge of their own lives.

Focusing on personal responsibility means that the therapist's role is to support and guide the client through their own thought processes, which can sometimes be seen as a form of informal mentoring, but it is not mentoring in the conventional sense. Thus, the caution against traditional mentoring elements is a reflection of the therapy's emphasis on client autonomy and empowerment.