Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Citation preview
Choice TheoryChoice Theory
Figurehead & RootsFigurehead & RootsWilliam GlasserTheory Development
Control Theory Reality Therapy--1965
Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry Choice Theory--1990s
Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom
Counseling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy (2001)
William GlasserTheory Development
Control Theory Reality Therapy--1965
Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry Choice Theory--1990s
Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom
Counseling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy (2001)
Major PremiseMajor PremisePeople 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.
This video clip contains a brief introduction to choice theory:
CLICK HERE
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.
This video clip contains a brief introduction to choice theory:
CLICK HERE
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.”
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.”
Choice Theory Basic ConceptsChoice Theory Basic Concepts Quality World (People, Things, and Beliefs)
RelationshipsExistingDesired
Material Goods Systems of Belief
ReligiousPoliticalPersonal
The quality world is our personal Shangri-la --- the ideal of what we want our life to be. It fulfills our most basic needs by placing the actual people we want to love in our quality world.
People who come to counseling either have no one in their quality world or are experiencing conflict between their quality world and their “real” world
Quality World (People, Things, and Beliefs) Relationships
ExistingDesired
Material Goods Systems of Belief
ReligiousPoliticalPersonal
The quality world is our personal Shangri-la --- the ideal of what we want our life to be. It fulfills our most basic needs by placing the actual people we want to love in our quality world.
People who come to counseling either have no one in their quality world or are experiencing conflict between their quality world and their “real” world
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 can only satisfy our needs by satisfying the pictures in our Quality World.
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 can only satisfy our needs by satisfying the pictures in our Quality World.
Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)
7. All we do is behave8. All behavior is Total Behavior and is
made up of four components: acting, thinking, feeling and physiology.
9. All Total Behavior is chosen, but we only have direct control over the acting and thinking components. We can only control our feeling and physiology indirectly through how we choose to act and think.
7. All we do is behave8. All behavior is Total Behavior and is
made up of four components: acting, thinking, feeling and physiology.
9. All Total Behavior is chosen, but we only have direct control over the acting and thinking components. We can only control our feeling and physiology indirectly through how we choose to act and think.
Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)Axioms of Choice Theory (cont.)
10. All Total Behavior is designated by verbs and named by the part that is the most recognizable.
10. All Total Behavior is designated by verbs and named by the part that is the most recognizable.
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.
