Presenter

Dr. Glasser is an internationally recognized psychiatrist who is best known as the author of Reality Therapy, a method of psychotherapy he created in 1965 and is now taught all over the world.

Born in 1925 and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Glasser later attended medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He took his psychiatric training at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Los Angeles. And at UCLA from 1954-57. It was there that he began his break with psychiatric tradition. Has initially a Chemical Engineer but went into psychiatry when it became apparent to him that this was his real interest in life. He became Board Certified in Psychiatry in 1961 and was in private practice (using Reality Therapy) from 1957-1986.

Glasser's path has been one of a continuing progression in private practice, lecturing and writing, ultimately culminating in the publication of over twenty books. After writing the counseling book, Reality Therapy, in 1965, he added education with Schools Without Failure in 1969, greatly expanded the understanding of motivation and behavior with Choice Theory Psychiatry Can Be Hazardous to Your Mental Health in 2003 and with Eight Lessons for Happier Marriage, in 2007.

Very early he came to the conclusion that genetically, we are social creature and need each other. However, the cause of almost all psychological symptoms is our inability to get along with the important people in our lives.

By 1980, he began to form the final idea that led to Choice Theory: The reason why so many people are unhappy in their relationships. He explains that, unlike all other living creatures, only human beings are genetically driven by the need fro power. Only we have learned "I'm right and you're wrong". We try to satisfy our need for power by using what he call, external control psychology—literally trying to force people to do what we want them to do. This struggle has led to the symptoms described in the DSM-IV and many more, such as pain and fatigue. Dr. Glasser offers choice theory to replace external control and has dedicated the remainder of his life to teaching and supporting this idea.

In 1967, Dr. Glasser founded The Institute for Reality Therapy. Since that time, over 75,000 people worldwide have taken intensive week training in his ideas.

Dr. Glasser maintains a very active schedule and is a much sought-after speaker. He has been listed in Who's Who in America since 1970's and in 1990; the University of San Francisco awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letter, Honoris Causa. In March of 2003, he was presented with the ACA Professional Development Award, which recognizes the significant contribution he has made to the field of counseling throughout his professional career. In April of 2004, The American Counseling Association presented him with the "A Legend in Counseling Award" for the development of Reality Therapy. Finally, in January 2005, the American Psychotherapy Association presented Dr. Glasser with the prestigious Master Therapist designation, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member.