Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of contemporary reality therapy?

Focusing on discussing symptoms is not a key characteristic of contemporary reality therapy. Instead, contemporary reality therapy is grounded in the principles of choice theory, which emphasizes personal responsibility and the choices individuals make in their lives. This therapeutic approach encourages clients to recognize their role in creating their current situations and to understand how their choices affect their emotional well-being and relationships.

In contrast to traditional psychotherapeutic approaches, which might delve deeply into symptoms or the subconscious, contemporary reality therapy maintains a forward-looking orientation, prioritizing the present and future over past experiences. This aligns with the emphasis on personal agency and accountability, which are foundational to the therapeutic process in reality therapy.

Moreover, contemporary reality therapy's rejection of transference reflects a belief in the client's ability to forge authentic relationships in therapy, focusing instead on the immediate therapeutic relationship and the choices being made within that context.