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The term Choice Theory is closely associated with the work of Dr. William Glasser, author of the book so named, and is the culmination of some 50 years of theory and practice in psychology and counseling.
Choice Theory posits that behavior is central to our existence and is driven by five genetically driven needs, similar to those of Maslow:
- Security (food, clothing, shelter, and personal safety)
and four fundamental psychological needs:
- Belonging/connecting/love
- Power
- Freedom, and
- Fun
Choice Theory posits the existence of a "Quality World" in which we place those things in our world that we value, starting at birth and continuing throughout our lives. And a "Comparing Place" in which we compare the world we experience with our Quality World. We behave to achieve as best we can a real world experience consonant with our Quality World.
Behavior, in Choice Theory terms, is TOTAL BEHAVIOR that has four components:
- Thinking
- Acting
- Feeling
- Physiology
Glasser suggests that we have considerable control or choice over the first two of these, and little ability to directly choose the latter two. As these four components are closely intertwined, the choices we make in our thinking and acting greatly affect our feeling and physiology.
Choice Theory posits that most mental illness is an expression of unhappiness and that we are able to choose alternate behaviors that will result in greater satisfaction. Reality Therapy is the counselling process focussed on helping clients to make those choices.
Learn more:
Choice Theory Connection http://www.sctboces.org/choicetheory/index.htm
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