Relational-Cultural Theory for Middle School Counselors

Relational‐Cultural Theory and Reality Therapy: A Culturally Responsive Integrative Framework

“…Furthermore, within both theories is the assumption that all clients enter counseling because of an intense desire for connection (Glasser, 1965;Tucker et al, 2011). Furthermore, within both theories is the assumption that all clients enter counseling because of an intense desire for connection (Glasser, 1965;Tucker et al, 2011).…”

“…Reality therapy and RCT suggest that Aiyana's need for belonging and connecting with people in her quality world may be affecting her behavior (Glasser, 1998;Jordan, 2009). Reality therapy and RCT assert that Aiyana cannot grow and change unless she recognizes that displaying her need for connection through her misbehavior is a strategy for disconnection (Tucker et al, 2011). Reality therapy and RCT assert that Aiyana cannot grow and change unless she recognizes that displaying her need for connection through her misbehavior is a strategy for disconnection (Tucker et al, 2011).…”

“…Building relationships is an essential component of this integrative approach (Glasser, 1997;Tucker et al, 2011;Wubbolding, 1988). Building relationships is an essential component of this integrative approach (Glasser, 1997;Tucker et al, 2011;Wubbolding, 1988).…”

“…Moreover, because both professional school counselors and community agency counselors are often limited in the amount of time they can spend with their clients, we recommend that they assess their time limitations before implementing this integrative technique. However, as displayed in the case of Aiyana, careful planning for implementation on the part of the counselor in addition to the integration of RCT with a theory that has been used in time-limited settings can yield positive results in a shorter amount of time (Comstock, 2004;Tucker et al, 2011). However, as displayed in the case of Aiyana, careful planning for implementation on the part of the counselor in addition to the integration of RCT with a theory that has been used in time-limited settings can yield positive results in a shorter amount of time (Comstock, 2004;Tucker et al, 2011).…”

“…Furthermore, researchers have indicated that this approach allows counselors to address relational concerns, take a we perspective, and help clients of color address issues related to systemic marginalization (Comstock et al, 2008;Jordan, 2009;Walker & Rosen, 2004). Other scholars have used RCT tenets to help practitioners understand how to address the relational needs of middle school girls (Cannon, Hammer, Relational-Cultural Theory and Reality Therapy Reicherzer, & Gilliam, 2012;Sassen, Spencer, & Curtin, 2005;Tucker, Smith-Adcock, & Trepal, 2011) and children exposed to trauma and self-injury (Vicario, Tucker, Smith-Adcock, & Hudgins-Mitchell, 2013).…”