Reality Therapy in Supporting a Female Adolescent After an Abusive Dating Relationship: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Adolescent dating abuse may disrupt emotional security, interpersonal trust, and school participation. This qualitative case study describes counseling experiences involving a female senior high school student who reported psychological distress following an unhealthy romantic relationship. The original case account identified interviews, counseling observations, and records as information sources; however, complete transcripts, session dates, and standardized outcome measures were unavailable for verification. The case narrative was organized descriptively around presenting difficulties, counseling activities, immediate responses, and limits of the evidence. Reported difficulties included social anxiety, fluctuating mood, disturbed sleep and appetite, and avoidance of situations associated with the relationship. The counseling account described empathic engagement, discussion of personal choices and boundaries, breathing exercises, and role-play. The student reportedly became more comfortable expressing feelings and experienced temporary relief during breathing practice. These observations suggest possible short-term engagement and coping gains, but they do not establish symptom remission or the causal effectiveness of Reality Therapy. School counseling should combine agency-supportive goal setting with safety assessment, trauma-informed care, and appropriate referral. Further documentation and ethical verification are required before stronger outcome claims can be made.