Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a used to help individuals reduce symptoms of
mental health conditions as well as depression and anxiety disorders. Corey (2021) explains that
cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the assumption that beliefs, behaviors, emotions, and
physical reactions are all linked together. Reality/choice therapy is about how individuals can
take control of their lives by taking responsibility for their actions. Corey (2021) states that
choice theory is the theoretical basis for reality therapy and explains why and how we function,
thus leading to reality therapy which provides a delivery system for helping individuals take
more effective control of their lives. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals work
through their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. However, reality/choice theory focuses on
realism. Responsibility, as well as right and wrong. The main similarity between these two
theories is that they both help consider how to improve a person’s situation as well as are
resolution based.
The strength of cognitive behavioral theory is that it is evidence based as well as it
focuses on the individuals’ thoughts. While the limitation of CBT is that the model uses a very
narrow scope due to it mostly being focused on human thoughts. Schwitzer and Rubin (2015)
explains that efficient case conceptualization is essential using integrated and eclectic
psychotherapy models as well as greater focus on evidence-based practices. Therefore, a model
that only focuses on one aspect such as human thoughts is too narrow and does not account for
other aspects that play a significant role in an individual’s life. The strengths of reality/choice
therapy are that it helps change negative thought processes to more positive thought processes
through supporting, encouraging, listening, accepting, trusting, respecting, as well as negotiating
differences. The limitations of reality/choice theory are that it discounts any type of biological or
chemical cause for psychological or mental illnesses.
One way CBT is compatible with the Christian perspective is that it can help aid
Christians in being self-aware when it comes to their mental well-being and is also considered to
be one of the more fruitful models for christens to explore. Tan (2022) states that CBT can be
incompatible with the bible because it raises questions about transcendence and spirituality, self-
deception and evil, complex human relationships, internal conflicts, the nature of emotion, and
the meaning of being fully and truly human. One way reality/choice theory is compatible with
Christian perspectives is because this theory is mostly about individuals taking responsibility for
their life choices. Tan (2022) explains that reality/choice theory is incompatible with Christian
perspective because this theory has too positive of a view on human nature and an individual’s
capacity to choose and change, relying on their own strength.
One limitation of measurable outcomes for reality/choice theory is that it does not
sufficiently deal with the past. One limitation of measurable outcomes for CBT is that it focuses
only on current problems, behaviors, and thoughts rather than underlying mental conditions.
References
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning.
Schwitzer, A. M., & Rubin, L. C. (2015). Diagnosis & treatment planning skills: A popular
culture casebook approach. SAGE Publications, Inc.
Tan, Siang-Yang. (2022). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. Baker Book
House, Co.
