What is the first step in helping clients create a plan in Reality Therapy?

In Reality Therapy, the first step in helping clients create a plan is to identify their specific wants and needs. This foundational step is crucial because it allows the client to articulate what is genuinely important to them and what changes they desire in their lives. Understanding these wants and needs provides a clear direction for the therapeutic process and informs the development of goals that are both relevant and motivating for the client.

Identifying wants and needs also fosters a deeper self-awareness, which is essential in facilitating personal responsibility and ownership over one's choices. Once clients have clarity regarding their desires, they are better positioned to set appropriate goals and construct a realistic plan for achieving them. This initial focus ensures that subsequent steps in the planning process are tailored to support the client’s unique motivations and values.