A Case Report Based on Reality Therapy on Problematic Internet Use

Abstract

Intense and uncontrolled internet use can lead to behavioral addiction, resulting in clinical-level symptoms. Mental health professionals use different theoretical perspectives while intervening in such situations. One of these approaches is reality therapy, which was examined for its suitability to Turkish culture. In this study, the counseling process based on reality therapy with a 25-year-old young adult showing symptoms of problematic internet use was analyzed. For this purpose, brief information was provided about problematic internet use, the basic concepts of reality therapy, and the wants, direction, evaluation, and planning WDEP system. Then, the counseling process was presented in the light of reality therapy. It has been observed that the client intensively uses the Internet as a way to escape from the current problems in his life, tries to meet his needs for entertainment and power through the Internet, and avoids taking responsibility. During the counseling process, the client discovered his own needs and managed to take responsibility for his life, made new plans, increased his control over internet use, and created alternatives to meet his needs in social life and playing games. In light of these results, it was inferred that the counseling process based on reality therapy would be functional for cases with problematic internet use and behavioral addiction symptoms. In this context, it is recommended that mental health professionals who work with clients who are problematic internet users or show signs of behavioral addiction should benefit from the basic concepts of reality therapy and the WDEP process in their intervention processes.