Empower Clients Through the Power of Choice:
Reality Therapy Workshop
A practical workshop desgined for social workers to learn the fundamentals of Reality Therapy and Choice Theory.
Move beyond “why” and help your clients discover the “how” of meaningful change.
You care deeply – but something isn’t working
You’re doing everything right: the assessments, the referrals, the check-ins. But too many clients stay stuck, returning with the same patterns, the same crisis, the same sense of powerlessness.
- Clients feel like victims of their circumstances, not agents of change
- Traditional approaches leaves little room for empowering conversations
- You want a structured, ethical tool – not just more theory
- Burnout is real, and you need an approach that energises you
Reality Therapys gives your clients back their power
Developed by Dr William Glasser, Reality Therapy is a proven, non-blaming approach rooted in Choice Theory. It shifts the conversation from what happened to you → to what can you do. This workshop equips you to use it confidently from your very next session.
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
Practical Outcomes
The workshop is designed for
- Registered social workers looking for CPD-accredited training
- Social work supervisors waiting structured tools for their teams
- Practitioners who want a more structured and practical approach with a focus on client choice and accountability
Who you’ll be learning from
Werner van der Westhuizen
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER – CONSULTANT – LEARNING FACILITATOR
Werner has more than 30 years experience as a social worker in the areas of probation practice, children and families, alternative care, crisis management and clinical private practice. He developed an early interest in Reality Therapy during his intial studies and since incorporate the approach into his practice with clients in various settings. He holds master’s degrees in Psychology and Clinical Social Work, and has published various articles and chapters on a range of topics related to relational practice with children and adolescents.
Logistics and Investment
Format: Online (Zoom)
Duration: 4 half-days (9h00 – 12h00) (Content can be restructured into 2-hour, 3-hour or 4-hour sessions)
Next Dates: Workshop is available on demand for group bookings. New dates may be set soon.
CPD points: 7.5 (SACSSP)
Includes: Workshop Notes, CPD Certificate
Investment: R950 per person (Group booking are negotiated)
Technical Requirements:
The workshop is facilitated fully online via Zoom. Participants are required to remain on camera for the full duration of each session and should ensure that their equipment and internet connection is suitable for this kind of interaction. Attendance with a phone or tablet isnot recommended – it is recommended to use a PC or laptop since some of the screens that will be shared may include text or diagrams that would be too small to read on a cellphone screen. It is recommended that each participant should attend from a suitable physical space (for example, not while travelling or while sharing office space with others). The use of headphones is recommended – alternatively participants should be in a space not shared with others. It is not ideal for participants to share a device, since it will limit their interaction and participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior knowledge of Reality Therapy or Choice Theory?
No prior knowledge is needed. The workshop introduces the foundational concepts of Reality Therapy and connects this approach to the existing skills of social workers, so that you can immediately implement what you have learned.
Is Reality Therapy a good fit for social workers?
Reality Therapy, with its focus on present behavior, personal responsibility, and meeting basic needs, can be a highly effective and beneficial approach for social workers in South Africa, given the unique socio-economic and cultural context. Many South Africans, particularly those affected by historical injustices and ongoing systemic inequalities, may experience feelings of helplessness and a lack of control over their lives. Reality Therapy empowers clients by emphasizing that they have choices, even within challenging circumstances. Instead of dwelling on past trauma or external factors (which are certainly important to acknowledge), Reality Therapy helps clients focus on what they can do now. This shifts the narrative from victimhood to agency, which can be crucial for individuals navigating complex social issues like poverty, unemployment, or gender-based violence.
Reality Therapy is versatile and has been successfully applied in various settings, including mental health counseling, education, corrections, and substance abuse treatment – all areas where social workers are actively involved in South Africa. Reality Therapy can be effectively integrated with other social work approaches, such as community development, advocacy, and trauma-informed care, to provide holistic support.
What if I can’t attend a full session or miss part of a session?
It is best to discuss this directly with the facilitator. Generally, full attendance is required to qualify for CPD points.
Can my organisation register multiple staff members?
Absolutely. If your organisation would like to enrol more than 5 staff members, contact me to enquire about a group discount.