How do reality therapists view excuses in the context of therapy?

Reality therapists view excuses as barriers to effective therapy, which is why they refuse to accept them. In the context of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, clients are encouraged to take responsibility for their choices and behaviors. Excuses serve to provide a rationale for avoiding accountability and can hinder the therapeutic process.

By not accepting excuses, reality therapists help clients recognize patterns of behavior that may be linked to their dissatisfaction in life. This approach promotes self-reflection and empowers individuals to make more conscious, responsible choices. The refusal to accept excuses facilitates a focus on what the client can control and change, rather than allowing them to remain stuck in a victim mentality or engage in avoidance behaviors. This perspective underscores the central tenet of reality therapy, which emphasizes personal responsibility and the pursuit of satisfying relationships as a path to mental well-being.