Certification in Reality Therapy, Choice Theory, Lead Management, and Glasser Quality School

The view of human nature as explained by Choice Theory is that we are not born blank slates waiting to be externally motivated by forces in the world around us. We are born with internal purposes, five genetically encoded needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. These needs drive each of us in varying degrees all our lives to try to find behaviors that will satisfy them.

The essence of Reality Therapy is that we are all responsible for what we choose to do. All problems are in the present, thus, reality therapy spends very little time in the past. This is based on Dr. Glasser’s belief that all any of us can control is our present life. We may be the product of our past but we are not the victims of our past unless we so choose.

Lead Management is the application of Reality Therapy and Choice Theory principles in all areas where people work together. Lead Management is based on the following characteristics. The Lead Manager: engages all workers in an ongoing honest discussion of both the quality and the cost of the work; models the jobs so workers see exactly what is expected; encourages workers to inspect their own work; teaches that the essence of quality is continual improvement. Lead management is more productive than boss management in the long run, leads to higher quality work and saves money.

Glasser Quality School Certification is the recognition by the William Glasser Institute that teachers have learned and can use the principles embodied in lead management as they apply to a classroom and to a school. Teachers in a Glasser Quality School apply the principles of Choice Theory and Lead Management to create an environment that is non-coercive. Teachers encourages students to self-evaluate and ensure that the curriculum is useful. They also engage students in the process of discovering that education adds quality to their lives.

 

Reality Therapy Certification

The program for certification consists of five components:

The Basic Intensive Week introduces participants to the concepts and practice of Reality Therapy, Choice Theory and Lead Management. It involves 30 hours of lectures and discussions, videos, skill building, case studies, role-plays and planning sessions. No pre-requisites are required for the 4 days of training in the basic week. The maximum size of the group is 13.

The Basic Practicum (pre-requisite: Basic Week) involves 30 hours of supervision over six months with an accredited supervisor in a small group (maximum 6). The goal is to practice the procedures of Reality Therapy counseling and apply the concepts of Choice Theory in that process and in Lead Management.

The Advanced Intensive Week (pre-requisite: Basic Week and Practicum) focuses on a deeper understanding and a broader application of the practice of Reality Therapy and the concepts of Choice Theory in such areas as conflict, addictions, illness and relationships. Participants are expected to achieve a greater integration of Choice Theory concepts into their own lives. 30 hours of instruction are provided in the 4 days of the program. The maximum size of the group is 13.

The Advanced Practicum (pre-requisite: Advance Week) is organized in the same format as the Basic Practicum with a focus of deepening knowledge and "fine tuning" practice. Again, the emphasis is on the participant’s ability to integrate the concepts of Reality Therapy and Choice Theory into their lives and to apply these concepts to the idea of "Quality" and Lead Management.

The Certification Week (pre-requisite: endorsement from the Advanced Practicum supervisor) is the final stage of the process and provides an opportunity for participants to demonstrate the required level of competence in the use of Reality Therapy procedures and the application of Choice Theory concepts.

A minimum of 18 months is required between the Basic Week and Certification Week. The intensive weeks are facilitated by different instructors. Advancement to each level requires the recommendation of the instructor or supervisor. There is no requirement to continue or complete training within a specified period. Upon completion the designation "Reality Therapy Certified" (R.T.C.) may be used.

Accredited instructors and supervisors are members in good standing of the William Glasser Institute and have been trained under the auspices of the Institute. Membership is an acknowledgement of a commitment to the principles and practices of Reality Therapy, Lead Management, and Choice Theory psychology.