What is the practice of reality therapy best described as?

Reality therapy is best described as a cycle of counseling. This approach focuses on helping individuals understand and fulfill their basic needs, which are identified as love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. The cycle involves several key components, including establishing a supportive relationship, exploring behaviors and choices, and facilitating a plan for change that aligns with the individual's needs.

In this cyclical process, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to reflect on current behaviors and identify how those behaviors do or do not meet their needs. The cycle helps clients to actively engage in self-evaluation, strategizing, and commitment to making healthier choices in order to enhance their overall well-being.

This distinguishes reality therapy from other options, as it specifically emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and a structured approach to counseling rather than solely assessing, crisis management, or medication management. In contrast, crisis management focuses on immediate problem-solving, a series of assessments denotes an evaluative process, and medication management involves prescribing and monitoring medication usage, none of which encapsulate the core principles of reality therapy.