William Glasser Quotes
- Psychiatrist
- 1925
William Glasser was an American psychiatrist and author known for his theories on mental health and education. He developed the concept of “choice theory,” which emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of choice in shaping one’s life. Glasser also founded the William Glass…Read More
William Glasser was an American psychiatrist and author known for his theories on mental health and education. He developed the concept of “choice theory,” which emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of choice in shaping one’s life. Glasser also founded the William Glasser Institute, which promotes his ideas and provides training for mental health professionals. His notable works include “Reality Therapy,” “Choice Theory,” and “Schools Without Failure.” Glasser’s ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of psychology and education, and he continues to be studied and referenced by professionals in these fields. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 88.Read Less
William Glasser was an American psychiatrist and author known for his theories on mental health and education. He developed the concept of “choice theory,” which emphasizes personal responsibility and the power of choice in shaping one’s life. Glasser also founded the William Glasser Institute, which promotes his ideas and provides training for mental health professionals. His notable works include “Reality Therapy,” “Choice Theory,” and “Schools Without Failure.” Glasser’s ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of psychology and education, and he continues to be studied and referenced by professionals in these fields. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 88.
14 Top William Glasser Quotes
William Glasser Career Highlights
- William Glasser was an American psychiatrist and author, best known for his development of the reality therapy approach to psychotherapy.
- He received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1953 and went on to complete his psychiatric residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Los Angeles.
- Glasser worked as a psychiatrist for the Veterans Administration and in private practice before becoming a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1967.
- In 1969, he founded the Institute for Reality Therapy in Los Angeles, which later became the William Glasser Institute.
- Glasser wrote over 20 books, including his most famous work, “Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry,” which was published in 1965 and has been translated into over 20 languages.
Key Contributions by William Glasser
- Glasser’s most significant contribution to the field of psychiatry was his development of reality therapy, which focuses on personal responsibility and making choices to improve one’s life.
- He believed that people have five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun, and that mental health is achieved when these needs are met in a balanced way.
- Glasser also introduced the concept of “choice theory,” which states that all behavior is purposeful and that individuals have the power to make choices to meet their needs.
- He was a vocal critic of traditional psychotherapy methods, arguing that they focused too much on past experiences and not enough on present choices and actions.
What Sets William Glasser Apart
- Glasser’s approach to psychotherapy was unique in that it emphasized personal responsibility and the power of choice, rather than focusing on past traumas or unconscious motivations.
- He believed that individuals have the ability to change their behavior and improve their lives by making different choices, rather than being victims of their circumstances.
- Glasser’s ideas were controversial in the field of psychiatry, but he gained a following of devoted followers who continue to promote his methods through the William Glasser Institute.
Takeaways
- William Glasser’s contributions to the field of psychiatry have had a lasting impact, particularly in the areas of reality therapy and choice theory.
- His ideas continue to be studied and applied by therapists and mental health professionals around the world.
- Glasser’s emphasis on personal responsibility and the power of choice can be helpful for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and overall well-being.