THE REALITY THERAPY READER: A Survey of the Work of William Glasser

by Alexander; Thomas Bratter & Richard L. Rachin--Eds. Bassin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1976

Since the publication of the book of that title in 1965, Dr. Glasser's ""Reality Therapy"" has gained some currency among semi-professional counselors who work to rehabilitate addicts, delinquents, criminals and disruptive students. As one of the contributors to this collection of papers, lighter articles and interviews says, his theory is ""deceptively simple."" Dr. Glasser challenges the validity of the ""spooky dogmas"" of psychoanalysis; he contends that people who fail are ""irresponsible,"" not ""mentally ill."" Reality Therapy urges the acceptance of guilt and emphasizes the morality of behavior while de-emphasizing feelings. This hefty reader includes pieces by Glasser himself as well as his disciples (therapists, pastoral workers, sociologists, policemen, probation officers, teachers) and is intended, according to Glasser's foreword, to supplement his works. It is somewhat repetitive, often adulatory, but one can see what his appeal is--Glasser's style is no-nonsense, straight-from-the-shoulder, good-humored, regular guy. While it's preposterous to argue that mental illness is ""a myth"" (Bassin), Glasser does provide prescriptions and practical techniques for these harried, understaffed correctional services whose clients are far-gone and desperate for attention.

Pub Date: April 1, 1976

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1976

Categories: NONFICTION