Choice Theory

Choice Theory®, created by Dr. William Glasser, is a psychological model that explains human behaviour as a series of conscious choices made to satisfy five fundamental needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and enjoyment. It teaches that people are accountable for their own decisions and behaviour because the only person they can truly influence is themselves. According to the theory, many personal and emotional difficulties stem from struggles to meet these needs — especially within relationships — and real change comes from focusing on present actions and making more effective choices that support a meaningful life.

Key Principles of Choice Theory

Behaviour is motivated by needs: All deliberate actions are driven by the desire to meet one or more of the five basic needs, though each person prioritizes them differently.

Personal responsibility and control: Individuals have control only over their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, not over other people.

Emphasis on relationships: Many psychological challenges are understood as difficulties in relationships. The theory encourages replacing control-based approaches with cooperation and mutual respect.

Present-centred focus: While past experiences can shape how people think and act, the emphasis is on making better choices in the present to improve future outcomes.

The “Quality World”: Each person carries an internal picture of what they want in life — their ideal people, goals, and experiences. Choices are guided by how closely reality matches this personal vision.

About Dr. William Glasser

Dr. William Glasser (1925–2013) was a world-renowned board-certified psychiatrist who developed Reality Therapy® and wrote the book Choice Theory®, A New Psychology of Personal Freedom
Dr. William Glasser (1925 – 2013)

Dr. Glasser was a world-renowned board-certified psychiatrist who did not agree with the medical model of medicating for mental illness. Instead, he believed in working with people and helping them to find and build stronger relationships. He first developed Reality Therapy® in 1965, and after writing several other books, in 1998 he published his now classic book called Choice Theory®, A New Psychology of Personal Freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reality therapy is the method of counseling that Dr. Glasser has been teaching since 1965. Reality therapy is firmly based on choice theory and its successful application is dependent on a strong understanding of choice theory. Reality therapy training is available to anyone…the first step in learning this tool is to enroll in a Basic Intensive Week.

Since unsatisfactory or non-existent connections with people that we need are the source of almost all human problems, the goal of reality therapy is to help people reconnect.

All behaviours are . . .

  • Internally-motivated
  • Purposeful
  • Flexible
  • Creative

It is probably the best communication tool you can learn to lead your team. It helps you learn the art of self-evaluation and will help you and your staff focus on solutions as opposed to problems. Learning these ideas will help you create a happier, more productive workplace. Lead Management is a part of what we teach incorporating these ideas.

Choice Theory® teaches us why and how we behave to match the picture that we want in order to satisfy our basic needs for survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Our thinking, acting, feelings, and physiology occur together; therefore, we refer to this as Total Behaviour.

All behaviours are . . .

  • Internally-motivated
  • Purposeful
  • Flexible
  • Creative

No, anyone can take this training. We have had parents, grandparents, doctors, nurses, clergy, counsellor, psychiatrists, hairdressers, bus drivers, and others from various walks of life, take this training and learn a communication process that helps them help themselves and others.

The following are some of the contexts we have worked in, but we know we have just scratched the surface of what is needed.

  • Indigenous communities
  • Early Childhood Intervention
  • Family dynamics and parenting/relationship skills
  • Corrections
  • Education
  • Big Brothers, Big Sisters
  • Boys and Girls Clubs
  • Groups home counselors
  • Domestic Violence counselors
  • Loss/grief
  • Disability
  • Trauma
  • First responders/police
  • Addictions
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Need satisfying workplace relationships

Most teachers and school counsellors tell us that they have mastered classroom management and take great joy in creating a classroom where students love to attend, have fun and learn.

More Questions?


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