Date of Birth: May 11, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: August 23, 2013
Biography
William Glasser was an American psychiatrist, born on May 11, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio. He is best known for developing Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, which have significantly influenced the field of psychotherapy and counseling. Glasser earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1953 and went on to specialize in psychiatry. His innovative approaches emphasized personal responsibility and the importance of fulfilling interpersonal relationships in achieving mental health. Throughout his career, Glasser focused on helping individuals understand their needs for love, power, freedom, and fun, and how these needs affect their behavior. He believed that traditional psychiatry’s emphasis on mental illness and medication was less effective than teaching people to make better choices. His seminal works include “Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry” (1965) and “Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom” (1998). Glasser’s theories extended beyond individual therapy, influencing education and management practices by promoting the importance of supportive, non-coercive environments. He founded the William Glasser Institute in 1967, which continues to train professionals in his methodologies.
5 Interesting Facts about William Glasser
1. William Glasser was initially trained as a chemical engineer before switching to psychiatry.
2. He was a strong critic of the use of psychiatric drugs, advocating instead for personal accountability and behavioral change.
3. Glasser’s Choice Theory posits that almost all behavior is chosen, and we can control our behavior by understanding and meeting our needs.
4. His work heavily influenced educational practices, advocating for non-coercive teaching methods.
5. Glasser received numerous awards throughout his career, including the ACA Professional Development Award from the American Counseling Association.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Glasser
1. “We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.”
2. “It is almost impossible for anyone, even the most ineffective among us, to continue to choose misery after becoming aware that it is a choice.”
3. “The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.”
4. “Good or bad, everything we do is our best choice at that moment.”
5. “If you want to change attitudes, start with a change in behavior.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
William Glasser’s highest net worth is not publicly documented. However, his influence and legacy in the field of psychology are invaluable.
Children
William Glasser had two children, Martin Glasser, and Alice Glasser.
Relevant Links
1. [William Glasser Institute](https://www.wglasser.com
3. [Wikipedia – William Glasser](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Glasser
4. [Goodreads – William Glasser](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33078.William_Glasser
5. [American Counseling Association](https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/william-glasser
