All About Choice Theory and How it Can Be Used to Overcome Mental Health Problems and Improve the Quality of Your Life

What is Choice Theory?

Michael Glasser’s Choice Theory is a groundbreaking approach that empowers individuals to take charge of their own happiness and well-being.

By understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are all choices we make, we can gain control over our emotional state and ultimately improve our mental health.

Choice theory teaches us to focus on what is within our control, rather than being overwhelmed by external circumstances, and has much in common with Stoic philosophy that has remained relevant for over 2000 years.

This powerful framework allows us to make conscious choices that align with our values, leading to increased resilience, better relationships, and a higher quality of life.

Choice theory is a critical component of Reality Therapy, an approach used extensively for overcoming mental health problems at Lee Psychology.

Choice Theory and the Locus of Control

Our ability to both recognise and then make good choices is intimately linked to our core beliefs regarding how much ‘power’ we have to actually make those choices.

For example, you might claim that you have no choice but to pay your mortgage every month, however this is simply not true.

You CAN choose not to pay your mortgage if you so wish, but the consequences of doing so may be that you lose your house, or suffer some other form of financial penalty.

However, by claiming that you have no choice but to pay your mortgage, what you really mean is that you would prefer not to default on your mortgage as you would like to avoid the negative consequences of making that choice!

This is NOT the same as having no choice though!

In this example, you clearly do have the power to make a choice but the consequences of making that choice are simply unpalatable to you.

Rotter’s Locus of Control is a measure of how much we believe we are able to have some influence (control) over events in our lives.

The Locus of Control is measured along a continuum with an “internal locus of control” at one end, and an “external locus of control” at the other.

People who have a predominantly “external locus of control” tend to feel powerless to influence the trajectory of their lives and believe they have very little choice.

An external locus of control is closely associated with poor mental health and feelings of helplessness.

Those who have, or who learn to develop, a more “internal locus of control”, tend to believe that their lives are largely determined by what they decide to do and that they are always able to make a choice.

An internal locus of control is linked to resilience to stressors and good mental wellbeing.

Arrange your FREE initial consultation here.

If you’d like to find out more about overcoming or recovering from any of your mental health problems using Choice Theory and Reality Therapy, then why not arrange a free initial consultation with us.

During this consultation we will discuss your particular issues and the different types of mental health counselling we offer (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT) without you having to commit to any counselling going forward.

The consultation lasts around 50 minutes and is a great opportunity to meet with either Paul or Joan and decide if you would like to proceed with any support.