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Reality Therapy in Valley Village & Los Angeles, California

At FamilyTime Centers, our reality therapy sessions in Valley Village and Los Angeles, California empower you to take ownership of your actions and focus on present choices rather than past regrets. Using choice theory, our licensed therapists help you develop practical strategies to build healthier relationships, achieve personal goals, and create lasting change in your life.

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Person standing at a crosswalk in a green dress, symbolizing decision-making and personal responsibility in Reality Therapy.

What Is Reality Therapy and How Does It Work?

Developed by psychiatrist William Glasser, Reality Therapy is grounded in Choice Theory, which holds that people are responsible for the choices they make. The therapy focuses on behavior, accountability, and building better relationships through conscious, value-driven decisions.

Key Benefits

Improves Decision-Making

Clients learn how to evaluate whether their current behaviors meet their true needs.

Encourages Responsibility Without Shame

Helps people own their choices while staying hopeful and forward-focused.

Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Promotes practical strategies to overcome obstacles and improve relationships.

Strengthens Personal Agency

Empowers clients to take control of their lives through action and awareness.

Treatment Goals

Clarify Wants, Needs, and Values

Help clients identify what matters most and what they're trying to gain through current behaviors.

Improve Present Behavior Awareness

Bring conscious attention to choices that serve or sabotage personal goals.

Strengthen Responsibility and Self-Evaluation

Teach how to assess behavior without blame—only honesty and accountability.

Support Effective Planning and Follow-Through

Build structured, commitment-based action plans to meet psychological needs responsibly.

person in black long sleeve shirt holding babys feet

Reality Therapy: A Practical, No-Nonsense Approach to Mental Health

Reality Therapy isn’t about rehashing the past—it’s about changing what you do now. By focusing on current choices and personal responsibility, clients gain tools to reshape their lives based on what they truly want and value.

The Process

The Process

The Process

1

1

Needs and Wants Assessment

Explore which of the five basic needs (love, power, fun, freedom, survival) are unmet.

2

2

Behavior Evaluation

Review current behaviors and whether they effectively meet those needs.

3

3

Decision-Making Skills Training

Introduce tools for awareness, choice, and personal effectiveness.

4

4

Planning and Commitment

Create actionable plans based on realistic, achievable steps.

5

5

Ongoing Accountability and Adjustment

Evaluate what works, adapt plans, and reinforce responsibility with support.

woman in red blazer holding white paper

Techniques Used

Scientific Background

Historical Development

Techniques Used

WDEP System

Helps clients explore Wants, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning.

Choice Theory Education

Teach clients how needs drive behavior and how to meet them responsibly.

Self-Evaluation Prompts

Guide honest reflection on whether current actions are working.

Commitment Contracts

Create small, do-able change goals with personal accountability.

Techniques Used

Scientific Background

Historical Development

Techniques Used

WDEP System

Helps clients explore Wants, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning.

Choice Theory Education

Teach clients how needs drive behavior and how to meet them responsibly.

Self-Evaluation Prompts

Guide honest reflection on whether current actions are working.

Commitment Contracts

Create small, do-able change goals with personal accountability.

Techniques Used

Scientific Background

History

Techniques Used

WDEP System

Helps clients explore Wants, Doing, Evaluation, and Planning.

Choice Theory Education

Teach clients how needs drive behavior and how to meet them responsibly.

Self-Evaluation Prompts

Guide honest reflection on whether current actions are working.

Commitment Contracts

Create small, do-able change goals with personal accountability.

Typical Exercises

Typical Exercises

WDEP Worksheets

Track Wants, current Doing, Evaluation of effectiveness, and Plans for change.

Responsibility Reflection Journal

Write about a daily decision and assess whether it aligned with personal goals.

Choice Mapping Activity

Explore the ripple effects of past and present choices.

Values-to-Actions Planner

Identify values and break them down into actionable commitments.

Select your insurance company
to see your coverage

Don't see your plan? 

Give us a call: 818.821.6012

Cigna

Aetna

Beacon

Optum

L.A. Care

United Health

Other

Your copay could

be as low as

$0

Average Cigna member copay

per session

$15*

Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call

at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.

Check eligiblity

Learn more

What your coverage may include

Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.

Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!

Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.

*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.

Select your insurance company
to see your coverage

Don't see your plan? 

Give us a call: 818.821.6012

Cigna

Aetna

Beacon

Optum

L.A. Care

United Health

Other

Your copay could

be as low as

$0

Average Cigna member copay

per session

$15*

Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.

Check eligiblity

Learn more

What your coverage may include

Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.

Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!

Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.

*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.

Testimonials

100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating

  • “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Justin M.

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    It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Cielo P.

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    I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Ricky M.

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    I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Jessa R.

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    Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Quinton H.

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    My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Chris M

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    Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!

  • “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Cal B.

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    I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Anne B.

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    Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Rebecca H.

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    FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Jessica S.

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    My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Aileen D.

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    Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.

    “Google review profile image for FamilyTime Center, a trusted provider of family counseling and therapy services.

    Yesenia G.

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    I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support

Common Questions

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.

View full FAQ page

Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?

What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?

What types of therapy services do you offer?

How flexible are your scheduling options?

Can I get online therapy in California from FamilyTime Centers?

How do I start therapy in Valley Village, Los Angeles

Does FamilyTime Centers accept insurance in Los Angeles?

What therapy is offered for anxiety in Los Angeles?

Common Questions

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.

View full FAQ page

Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?

What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?

What types of therapy services do you offer?

How flexible are your scheduling options?

Can I get online therapy in California from FamilyTime Centers?

How do I start therapy in Valley Village, Los Angeles

Does FamilyTime Centers accept insurance in Los Angeles?

What therapy is offered for anxiety in Los Angeles?

Common Questions

Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.

View full FAQ page