The Implementation of Individual Counseling Using Reality Therapy to Enhance Self-Identity of Vocational High School Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37676/mj.v2i4.1585Keywords:
Individual Counseling, Reality Therapy, Self-Identity, AdolescenceAbstract
Self-identity is a vital aspect of adolescent development that does not automatically mature with age, but rather requires a deep reflective process and sufficient psychological support. School-based counseling services, particularly individual counseling with a reality therapy approach, can serve as a restorative space for students experiencing identity confusion. This study aims to describe the process and outcomes of applying reality therapy techniques in helping a vocational high school student shape a clearer sense of self. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving one tenth-grade student at SMK Negeri 18 Jakarta. The findings reveal that individual counseling based on reality therapy helps the counselee recognize psychological needs, re-evaluate life choices, and build confidence in engaging with social roles. The counseling process emerged as a transformative experience that touched the student's personal and emotional dimensions, showing tangible improvements in behavior, social participation, and self-perception. This study recommends wider implementation of similar counseling approaches, supported by school policies that prioritize students’ long-term psychological growth.
References
1. Côté, J. E. (2006). Social Identity and the Construction of Identity among Adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 35(5), 710–723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-006-9099-9
2. Dewany, R., Hariko, R., & Karneli, Y. (2023). Structuring Techniques in Individual Counseling Services. Journal of Guidance, Counseling, and Psychology, 3(2), 62–69.
3. Eka Pitri, T., Hartini, H., & Warlizasusi, J. (2023). Implementation of Guidance and Counseling Services in Helping Students Find Their Identity at SMAN 6 Kepahiang.
4. Haolah, S., Atus, A., & Irmayanti, R. (2018). The Importance of Counselor Personal Qualities in Implementing Individual Counseling. FOKUS (Guidance & Counseling Studies in Education), 1(6), 215–226.
5. Herdayati, S. P., & Syahrial, S. T. (2019). Research Design and Data Collection Techniques in Research. National International Online Journal of the University of August 17, 1945 Jakarta, 7(1), 1689–1699.
6. Istiqomah, D., & Habsy, B. A. (2019). The Effectiveness of Reality Counseling in Overcoming Anxiety in Expressing Opinions in Junior High School Students. Indonesian Journal of Educational Counseling, 3(1), 61–70.
7. Lestari, R. D., Mangantes, M. L., Kasenda, R. Y., & Tinus, D. (2021). Guidance and Counseling Teacher Strategies in Overcoming Identity Crises. Educouns Journal: Journal of Education and Counseling Guidance, 2(1), 70–74.
8. Maslikan, M. (2018). The Effectiveness of Reality Group Counseling in Improving Junior High School Students' Understanding of Self-Identity. Perspectives of Educational Sciences, 32(2), 107–115.
9. Mootalu, K., Ilolu, R., & Yusuf, I. (2024). Application of Erik Erikson's Theory in Education: A Developmental Psychology Perspective. Tarqiyah: Journal of Islamic Education, 2(2), 94–100.
10. Nasution, W. Y. (2019). Guidance and Counseling Services for Self-Identity of MAL UINSU Students in the 2017/2018 Academic Year.
11. Pratama, K. B. (2022). Implementation of Individual Counseling Services with a Reality Therapy Approach to Address Low Student Interest in Learning at SMA Negeri 1 Kampar Timur.
12. Purwanti, F. (2013). Adolescent Self-Identity in Grade XI Students of SMA Negeri 2 Pemalang in Terms of Gender. Developmental and Clinical Psychology, 2(2).
13. Rambe, A., & Syarqawi, A. (2023). Effectiveness of Individual Counseling Services with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach in Reducing Communication Anxiety in Students at SMA Negeri 4 Tebing Tinggi. Biblio Couns: Journal of Counseling and Education Studies, 6(2), 90–101.
14. Ramdhoni, I., & Giri, P. A. S. P. (2024). Individual Counseling with a Reality Approach in Developing Self-Confidence in Students of SMP Negeri 8 Denpasar. CENDEKIA: Journal of Social Sciences, Language, and Education, 4(3), 57–69.
15. Riswana, A. A., Umari, T., & Khadijah, K. (2023). Achieving Career Identity in Students of SMK PGRI Pekanbaru. Wahana Konseling Journal, 6(2), 165–177.
16. Sekali, R. B. K., & Tohir, A. (2020). Efforts to Increase Student Self-Acceptance Through Individual Counseling with a Reality Approach in Grade XI Students of SMA NEGERI 15 Bandar Lampung. Journal of Evaluation and Learning, 2(2), 135–147.
17. Septiyowati, T., & Prasetyo, T. (2021). The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning and Discovery Learning Models on Elementary School Students' Critical Thinking Skills. Basicedu Journal, 5(3), 1231–1240.
18. Sunarko, P. A. (2018). Implementation of a Reality Approach Group Counseling Process to Address Low Self-Esteem Cases of Four Students at the Child-Friendly Community Foundation. Psycho-Education, 16(1), 21–34.
19. Widodo, B., Susilaningsih, C. Y., & Fransisca Mudjijanti, M. M. (2024). Reality Therapy Counseling Approach. CV. AE Media Grafika.
20. Yanti, S. H., Hawi, A., & Syarnubi, S. (2021). The Effect of the Application of the Firing Line Strategy on Students' Understanding of Islamic Religious Education Subjects in Class VII at Sukaraya State Middle School, Karang Jaya District, Musi Rawas Regency. Raden Fatah Islamic Education Journal, 3(1), 55–65
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Helvy Hilyatul Aulia, Fauzi Nur Ilahi, Sabrina Dachmiati
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
