Choice TheoryChoice Theory

Figurehead & RootsFigurehead & Roots William Glasser - click the link for info on the William

Glasser Institute and trainings

Theory Development Control Theory Reality Therapy--1965

Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry Choice Theory--1990s

Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal FreedomCounseling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy

(2001)

William Glasser - click the link for info on the William Glasser Institute and trainings

Theory Development Control Theory Reality Therapy--1965

Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry Choice Theory--1990s

Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal FreedomCounseling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy

(2001)

Major PremiseMajor Premise

People are responsible for their own choices, decisions, goals, and the general degree of happiness in their lives. An internal control psychology, it explains why

and how we make the choices that determine the course of our lives.

Click on the link to watch a clip of Dr. Glasser talking about Choice Theory

People are responsible for their own choices, decisions, goals, and the general degree of happiness in their lives. An internal control psychology, it explains why

and how we make the choices that determine the course of our lives.

Click on the link to watch a clip of Dr. Glasser talking about Choice Theory

CT and Human NatureCT and Human Nature Phenomenological People have freedom to

make choices People must take

responsibility for choices Behavior should be

considered in its totality The capacity to change is

in ourselves (we are only victims if we choose to be)

Phenomenological People have freedom to

make choices People must take

responsibility for choices Behavior should be

considered in its totality The capacity to change is

in ourselves (we are only victims if we choose to be)

Key concepts of CT:Key concepts of CT: All we ever do is behave (good or bad) We are externally motivated by the world around us. If we are sad, unhappy, or depressed, it is because

we choose to feel and behave that way. We are not victims of our past unless we choose to

be. We are constantly seeking to live in our “quality

world.” Click on the link to watch a clip of a

Choice Theory session (not a great session, but a session!)

All we ever do is behave (good or bad) We are externally motivated by the world around us. If we are sad, unhappy, or depressed, it is because

we choose to feel and behave that way. We are not victims of our past unless we choose to

be. We are constantly seeking to live in our “quality

world.” Click on the link to watch a clip of a

Choice Theory session (not a great session, but a session!)

Choice Theory Basic ConceptsChoice Theory Basic Concepts

Quality World (People, Things, and Beliefs) Relationships

ExistingDesired

Material Goods Systems of Belief

ReligiousPoliticalPersonal

Quality World (People, Things, and Beliefs) Relationships

ExistingDesired

Material Goods Systems of Belief

ReligiousPoliticalPersonal

Choice Theory Basic ConceptsChoice Theory Basic Concepts Total Behavior

Acting Thinking Feeling Physiology We can control acting and thinking. Feeling and physiology will follow.

We choose our behaviors. The only behavior an individual can control is

his or her own.

Total Behavior Acting Thinking Feeling Physiology We can control acting and thinking. Feeling and physiology will follow.

We choose our behaviors. The only behavior an individual can control is

his or her own.

Choice Theory Basic ConceptsChoice Theory Basic Concepts

The Language of Choice Theory Headaching Angering Depressing – most common choice

Restrains anger of frustrating relationshipsAsking for help without beggingAvoidance of responsibility through self-chosen

mental illness

The Language of Choice Theory Headaching Angering Depressing – most common choice

Restrains anger of frustrating relationshipsAsking for help without beggingAvoidance of responsibility through self-chosen

mental illness

Choice Theory Basic ConceptsChoice Theory Basic Concepts Control/Choice Theory – Five Needs:

Survival (Work) Love and Belonging Power (Self-Determination or Autonomy) Freedom Fun (Leisure)

When these needs are not met… Psychological problems result When an individual is unable to fulfill a basic need, he

or she will often choose a symptom behavior as a way to cope.

Control/Choice Theory – Five Needs: Survival (Work) Love and Belonging Power (Self-Determination or Autonomy) Freedom Fun (Leisure)

When these needs are not met… Psychological problems result When an individual is unable to fulfill a basic need, he

or she will often choose a symptom behavior as a way to cope.

Basic Concepts of Choice Theory: 10 Axioms

Basic Concepts of Choice Theory: 10 Axioms

1. The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.

External Control—When individuals try to control others, it is at the expense of an effective working relationship.

2. All we can get from other people is information. How we deal with that information is our choice or their choice.

3. All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems.

1. The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.

External Control—When individuals try to control others, it is at the expense of an effective working relationship.

2. All we can get from other people is information. How we deal with that information is our choice or their choice.

3. All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems.

Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)

4. The problem relationship is always part of our present lives.

5. What happened in the past that was painful has a great deal to do with what we are today, but revisiting this painful past contributes little, if anything to what we need to do now --- improve an important relationship.

6. We are driven by genetic needs.

4. The problem relationship is always part of our present lives.

5. What happened in the past that was painful has a great deal to do with what we are today, but revisiting this painful past contributes little, if anything to what we need to do now --- improve an important relationship.

6. We are driven by genetic needs.

Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)

10. All total behavior is chosen but we have direct control over only the acting and thinking components. We can, however, control our feelings and physiology indirectly through how we choose to think and act.

10. All total behavior is chosen but we have direct control over only the acting and thinking components. We can, however, control our feelings and physiology indirectly through how we choose to think and act.

Therapeutic Frame of Reference

Therapeutic Frame of Reference

Focus is on the presentAvoid discussing the past because most

human difficulties are believed to be rooted in current relationship problems.

Focus is on the presentAvoid discussing the past because most

human difficulties are believed to be rooted in current relationship problems.

Role of TherapistRole of Therapist Responsible for establishing a counseling

environment in which client can embrace change. Work as a collaborator with the client Help the client to understand how she/he is doing Role expectation—must define who you are as a

counselor Very conversational & interactive

This can lead to boundary issues if counselor does not adhere to strict professional conduct—onus of responsibility lies with counselor

Responsible for establishing a counseling environment in which client can embrace change.

Work as a collaborator with the client Help the client to understand how she/he is doing Role expectation—must define who you are as a

counselor Very conversational & interactive

This can lead to boundary issues if counselor does not adhere to strict professional conduct—onus of responsibility lies with counselor

Effective therapists:Effective therapists:

Qualities: Congruence Energy Empathy Having a positive view

of human nature Belief in the potential

for change

Qualities: Congruence Energy Empathy Having a positive view

of human nature Belief in the potential

for change

Characteristics: Ability to reframe Ability to communicate

hope Ability to define a problem

in solvable terms Ability to use metaphors Being ethical Being culturally sensitive

Characteristics: Ability to reframe Ability to communicate

hope Ability to define a problem

in solvable terms Ability to use metaphors Being ethical Being culturally sensitive

Therapeutic ObjectiveTherapeutic Objective To help an individual to determine whether his or

her current actions and decisions will lead them to the goals or success he or she wants for himself or herself.

Teaching process—Seeks to teach clients better ways to meet their needs.

To help clients understand & take responsibility for the choices they make.

To help clients strengthen their relationships through personal change in a safe environment.

To help an individual to determine whether his or her current actions and decisions will lead them to the goals or success he or she wants for himself or herself.

Teaching process—Seeks to teach clients better ways to meet their needs.

To help clients understand & take responsibility for the choices they make.

To help clients strengthen their relationships through personal change in a safe environment.

Function of SymptomsFunction of Symptoms

Symptoms and complaints are viewed as creative ways individuals choose to deal with current relationship problems.

Symptoms and complaints are viewed as creative ways individuals choose to deal with current relationship problems.

External ControlExternal Control

“coercing, controlling, relationship-destroying psychology (used when) having difficulty getting along with someone else” (Glasser, 2003)

1st False Belief – We are made to behave.2nd False Belief – You can control someone.3rd False Belief – We know what’s right for

all.

“coercing, controlling, relationship-destroying psychology (used when) having difficulty getting along with someone else” (Glasser, 2003)

1st False Belief – We are made to behave.2nd False Belief – You can control someone.3rd False Belief – We know what’s right for

all.

Seven Deadly Habits of External Control

Seven Deadly Habits of External Control

1. Criticizing – most deadly2. Blaming3. Complaining4. Nagging5. Threatening6. Punishing7. Rewarding to control

1. Criticizing – most deadly2. Blaming3. Complaining4. Nagging5. Threatening6. Punishing7. Rewarding to control

Alternatives to the Seven Deadly HabitsAlternatives to the

Seven Deadly Habits

1. Supporting2. Encouraging3. Listening4. Accepting5. Trusting6. Respecting7. Negotiating Differences

1. Supporting2. Encouraging3. Listening4. Accepting5. Trusting6. Respecting7. Negotiating Differences

Key Concepts in Change Process

Key Concepts in Change Process

Present orientation:: we are not controlled by past history, just the present

Emphasis on choice: Behavior is a result of

choices and counselors help present choices to client.

Present orientation:: we are not controlled by past history, just the present

Emphasis on choice: Behavior is a result of

choices and counselors help present choices to client.

Control of Action: We help a client change

actions so that they will change behaviors

Importance of Connection: Establish an empathic, genuine relationship with others

Control of Action: We help a client change

actions so that they will change behaviors

Importance of Connection: Establish an empathic, genuine relationship with others

Process & TechniquesProcess & Techniques

1. Begin by developing a supportive environment1. NEVER take for granted that your client is

comfortable2. What do you want?

1. Define what they want to get from you & counseling relationship.

2. What do they want for themselves3. What are you doing to get it?

1. Define present behaviors that are getting client where they hope to be—or are they?

4. Is it working?

1. Begin by developing a supportive environment1. NEVER take for granted that your client is

comfortable2. What do you want?

1. Define what they want to get from you & counseling relationship.

2. What do they want for themselves3. What are you doing to get it?

1. Define present behaviors that are getting client where they hope to be—or are they?

4. Is it working?

Process and Techniques, contProcess and Techniques, cont5. How can you change what you are doing to be more

effective at getting what you want?1. What could the client do differently to increase the probability

that he or she will get what he or she wants?6. Develop a plan

1. First goal should be easily achievable2. Counselor must help client to understand how he or she is

progressing/doing.7. Make a commitment/plan/agreement about how to

change8. Follow-up

1. Evaluate progress towards goals2. Reevaluate plan & change as needed

5. How can you change what you are doing to be more effective at getting what you want?

1. What could the client do differently to increase the probability that he or she will get what he or she wants?

6. Develop a plan1. First goal should be easily achievable2. Counselor must help client to understand how he or she is

progressing/doing.7. Make a commitment/plan/agreement about how to

change8. Follow-up

1. Evaluate progress towards goals2. Reevaluate plan & change as needed

The WDEP system (Wubbolding, 1985)

The WDEP system (Wubbolding, 1985)

Wants: Discussing wants, needs and perceptions Sharing wants and perceptions (disclose) Commitment to Counseling (5 levels):1. “I don’t want to be here.”2. “I want the outcome but not the effort.”3. “I’ll try; I might.”4. “I will do my best.”

5. “I will do whatever it takes.”

Wants: Discussing wants, needs and perceptions Sharing wants and perceptions (disclose) Commitment to Counseling (5 levels):1. “I don’t want to be here.”2. “I want the outcome but not the effort.”3. “I’ll try; I might.”4. “I will do my best.”

5. “I will do whatever it takes.”

WDEP System (cont.)WDEP System (cont.)D = Discussing

Behavioral Direction and Doing (Total Behavior)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

D = Discussing Behavioral Direction and Doing (Total Behavior)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

WDEP System: E = Evaluation

WDEP System: E = Evaluation

Evaluation of behavioral direction

Evaluation of specific actions

Evaluation of wants

Evaluation of behavioral direction

Evaluation of specific actions

Evaluation of wants

Evaluation of perceptions or viewpoints

Evaluation of new direction

Evaluation of plans

Evaluation of perceptions or viewpoints

Evaluation of new direction

Evaluation of plans

WDEP System: P=Planning(SAMI C)

WDEP System: P=Planning(SAMI C)

Simple: The plan is uncomplicated Attainable: Should be realistic Measurable: Precise and exact Immediate: Carried out as soon as possible Involved: Counselor involved as much as appropriate Controlled by the client Committed to: counselor helps client pledge to put plan

into action Consistent: Plan is repetitious

PERSISTENCE IS THE COMMON DENOMINATOR!DON’T GIVE UP!!

Simple: The plan is uncomplicated Attainable: Should be realistic Measurable: Precise and exact Immediate: Carried out as soon as possible Involved: Counselor involved as much as appropriate Controlled by the client Committed to: counselor helps client pledge to put plan

into action Consistent: Plan is repetitious

PERSISTENCE IS THE COMMON DENOMINATOR!DON’T GIVE UP!!

Questions for SessionsQuestions for Sessions

For client: Will what I’m about to do bring me closer to

these people (people in your quality world) or move us further apart?

For therapist: Are we on track? How is it coming along?

For client: Will what I’m about to do bring me closer to

these people (people in your quality world) or move us further apart?

For therapist: Are we on track? How is it coming along?

Contributions of Glasser’s WorkContributions of Glasser’s WorkShort-term focusDeals with conscious behavioral problemsClient responsible for self-evaluation as

well as commitment; pressure off counselor!

Change is measurable and overtCounselor is encouraging and empathetic;

confrontive, yet gentle

Short-term focusDeals with conscious behavioral problemsClient responsible for self-evaluation as

well as commitment; pressure off counselor!

Change is measurable and overtCounselor is encouraging and empathetic;

confrontive, yet gentle

Research and RTResearch and RTIn 1993, more than 400 persons worldwide

completed the 18-month training program and were certified in RT.

Research has not been a major focus because Glasser has focused on implementing RT in human service and educational institutions

In 1993, more than 400 persons worldwide completed the 18-month training program and were certified in RT.

Research has not been a major focus because Glasser has focused on implementing RT in human service and educational institutions

Research (cont.)Research (cont.)There is evidence that RT has been used

effectively with a wide variety of issues: eating disorders, child abuse, marriage issues, aging, elective mutism, career satisfaction, study habits, self-esteem, assertive behavior, etc.

There is evidence that RT has been used effectively with a wide variety of issues: eating disorders, child abuse, marriage issues, aging, elective mutism, career satisfaction, study habits, self-esteem, assertive behavior, etc.

LimitationsLimitations Not useful for clients

who want to gain insight into past or early life conflicts

Counselor should have some training prior to using RT

Easy to understand, harder to practice

Not useful for clients who want to gain insight into past or early life conflicts

Counselor should have some training prior to using RT

Easy to understand, harder to practice

Corey’s concerns (worth consideration):

Corey’s concerns (worth consideration):

Lack of consideration for unconscious (dreams, etc.)

Denying transference seems “narrow” Too simplistic to argue that all mental illness

(except brain pathology)is the result of an individual’s unsatisfying relationships; adds guilt to people who are already struggling with coping

The “evaluation” component puts the counselor in the role of expert; may impose values----what is “responsible” behavior?

Lack of consideration for unconscious (dreams, etc.)

Denying transference seems “narrow” Too simplistic to argue that all mental illness

(except brain pathology)is the result of an individual’s unsatisfying relationships; adds guilt to people who are already struggling with coping

The “evaluation” component puts the counselor in the role of expert; may impose values----what is “responsible” behavior?

Gender IssuesGender Issues Both men and women can learn they have power

over their own lives (may be more of an issue for women)

Emphasis on holding people responsible for their behavior ignores historical and social discrimination

Glasser’s work to improve school systems was not gender biased; considered the unique wants & needs of boys and girls

May be more appropriate for men

Both men and women can learn they have power over their own lives (may be more of an issue for women)

Emphasis on holding people responsible for their behavior ignores historical and social discrimination

Glasser’s work to improve school systems was not gender biased; considered the unique wants & needs of boys and girls

May be more appropriate for men

Multicultural IssuesMulticultural Issues Criticism: Does not take into account

environmental forces such as discrimination and racism that affect people from different cultures; also is not sensitive to sexual orientation.

Compliment: Reality therapists typically respect individual cultural differences and include cultural considerations as a component of the “plan”

Reality therapy has been used with a wide variety of cultures and has been applicable world-wide.

Criticism: Does not take into account environmental forces such as discrimination and racism that affect people from different cultures; also is not sensitive to sexual orientation.

Compliment: Reality therapists typically respect individual cultural differences and include cultural considerations as a component of the “plan”

Reality therapy has been used with a wide variety of cultures and has been applicable world-wide.

The Bottom Line……CT asks:The Bottom Line……CT asks: What is it that you want? Is your behavior getting you

what you want? If not, what are you willing

to do to change it? Goal is to get what you

want: improved relationships and enhanced living.

What is it that you want? Is your behavior getting you

what you want? If not, what are you willing

to do to change it? Goal is to get what you

want: improved relationships and enhanced living.