As a leading expert in the field of psychology, I've had the opportunity to delve deeply into various therapeutic approaches. One such approach is reality therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of current behaviors in achieving one's goals. The WDEP system is a fundamental component of reality therapy, and it stands for Wants, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning.

Wants: This is the starting point of the WDEP system. It's about identifying what the individual truly wants in life. These wants are not just fleeting desires but rather deep-seated values and goals that the person is committed to pursuing. The therapist helps the client to clarify these wants and to understand their significance.

Doing: Once the wants are clear, the next step is to look at what the individual is currently doing to achieve these wants. This involves examining the actions and behaviors that are either supporting or hindering the progress towards the identified goals. The therapist works with the client to understand the effectiveness of their current actions.

Evaluation: This step is crucial for the client's growth. It involves evaluating the effectiveness of the current actions in relation to the wants. The therapist helps the client to assess whether their actions are moving them closer to or further away from their goals. This evaluation is not about assigning blame but about gaining insight into the impact of one's behaviors.

Planning: Based on the evaluation, the final step is to create a plan. This is a proactive approach to change where the client, with the guidance of the therapist, develops a strategy to replace ineffective behaviors with ones that are more likely to lead to the achievement of their wants. The plan is specific, actionable, and tailored to the client's unique situation.

The WDEP system is not just a series of steps but a dynamic process that encourages clients to take charge of their lives. It is about making conscious choices and taking responsibility for the consequences of those choices. Reality therapy, with its WDEP system, is a powerful tool for personal growth and change.

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Reality therapy is structured around the WDEP system (wants, doing, evaluation, and planning): The reality therapist works with clients to explore their wants and what they are doing to achieve those wants, evaluating whether what they are doing is helpful or harmful to their goals, and finally helping the client plan ...read more >>