Editorial Review
Dr. William Glasser offers a new psychology that, if practiced, could reverse our widespread inability to get along with one another, an inability that is the source of almost all unhappiness.
For progress in human relationships, he explains that we must give up the punishing, relationship–destroying external control psychology. For example, if you are in an unhappy relationship right now, he proposes that one or both of you could be using external control psychology on the other. He goes further. And suggests that misery is always related to a current unsatisfying relationship. Contrary to what you may believe, your troubles are always now, never in the past. No one can change what happened yesterday.
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Customer Reviews
good for those needing framework 
2008-08-27
this is a great book for those begining in the counseling field or those who like a serious framework to work with.
Pseudoscientific hyperbole 
2008-07-30
I've tried reading this book several times, but always end up putting it down. The author strains the limits of my credulity when he states that so many health conditions from stomach aches to arthritis, are caused by the body's "creative systems" and that they are related directly to the breakdown of a personal relationship. Gimme a break, doc! This idea has been around for years, and has yet to be proven by science. This book is harmful!
A great read! 
2008-06-23
I have use this text to prepare to teach graduate level counseling internship courses. It is an easy read, but so full of useful information - don't let the ease of reading fool you! There is a lot of material to absorb, and the text presents the information in a helpful, clear manner that I can use with both my students and my clients.
Choice Theory 
2008-05-21
It was hard to get into with the new terminology I was learning in the book but it does make sense. I would like to explore more of Dr. Glasser's books.
New way of thinking 2008-05-02
This book is very interesting. It discusses a new way of thinking, that if used, could change the world. If you are interested in psychology, particularly reality therapy or choice theory, this is a must read.
A great new way to snap out of it 2008-04-20
Dr. William Glasser offers a new psychology that, if practiced, could reverse our widespread inability to get along with one another, an inability that is the source of almost all unhappiness.
For progress in human relationships, he explains that we must give up the punishing, relationship–destroying external control psychology. For example, if you are in an unhappy relationship right now, he proposes that one or both of you could be using external control psychology on the other. He goes further. And suggests that misery is always related to a current unsatisfying relationship. Contrary to what you may believe, your troubles are always now, never in the past. No one can change what happened yesterday.
A refreshing new look at how people really behave: 2008-04-12
If more people bought and read this book, we would have less war, less divorce and a host of happier children. It also supports the growing scientific data (molecular biology) that claims we come into the world with a propensity to love, play, be free and to succeed. A really great read.
Very Good! 2007-12-28
This book is about the fact most people blame others for what happens on their life, their health mental and physical instead of taking personal responsibility. As a consequence, mental illnesses attack. The author considers it is possible to heal from this kind of illness just when the patient decides so. This book teaches and helps the patient how to realize what is causing the illness and then the brain by itself start a healing process that not only heal the patient by also the others around the patient (family and friends) causing a healing circle of wellness.
Mixed Feelings 2007-09-12
How do you evaluate the statement: "No successful life exists without a satisfying relationship"? How do you evaluate the statement: "Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by your choosing it."? These are two of many broad and overbroad ideas (or half-truths) William Glasser offers in his very long book. Some ideas made me quite uncomfortable, as when watching a health commercial on tv that is full of gimmickry, particularly when the author offers not one iota of scientific study to back up some of his extraordinary claims. Is choice theory a secular version of Christian Science?
The book does have its positive influences, however. It allowed me to think about myself solely in terms of my Total Behavior and to think well about the assertion: "All I am about is behaving." It also allowed me to consider whether my behavior allows me to be closer to someone I want in my life or whether my behavior is destructive to my desire of being closer to someone. William Glasser's advocacy of a non-coercive, non-manipulative approach to relationships is totally refreshing, and is clear and sensible.
The book itself, despite the ordinary and simple words used, is nonetheless difficult to read from cover to cover. I failed to be interested in all the personal or interpersonal narratives (or case studies) that he presented so as to arrive at the essential strands which comprise choice theory for any given individual. I failed to be interested in how choice theory works in schools, in disputes over Workers' Compensation, in the workplace, and in the community, all of which comprise several long chapters. His writing style is newspaper prose, prolix, plain and garrulous.
According to Mr. Glasser, choice theory works everywhere and anywhere - and at any time. How do you evaluate such a claim? With a grain of salt.
I'm glad I read this book, but everything I wanted from this book was found (finally) in the very last chapter in which William Glasser lists the essential elements comprising choice theory. If this chapter were at the front of the book, it would have given the reader a chance to choose how much of the book he or she would want to read. That, too, ought to be part of choice theory's practicality in the concrete.
Good read so far 2007-07-28
I have only read a few chapters; but, it has already made a difference in my views toward behavior.
