Every day, we make countless choices: what to eat, how to respond to others, and where to focus our time for example. Some decisions feel automatic, but Choice Theory reminds us that we have more control over our lives than we often realize.

Developed by psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser, Choice Theory is built on a simple but powerful idea that we are internally motivated and choose many of our behaviors around five basic needs: love & belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival.

Rather than blaming our circumstances, people, or past, Choice Theory invites us to take ownership of our behavior and emotions. It encourages us to ask questions like:

What need am I trying to meet right now?
Is this choice helping or hurting my relationships?
What can I do differently to get what I want without causing harm?

In therapy, this approach can be incredibly powerful. Instead of feeling stuck or helpless, clients begin to see new paths forward. They realize that while we can’t always control what happens around us, we can control how we respond, and in turn those choices shape the quality of our lives.

Teens struggling with peer pressure, couples facing communication breakdowns, parents navigating tough family dynamics, and men who feel emotionally disconnected can all benefit from understanding how their choices impact their well-being and relationships. When we start seeing our behavior as a choice and not just a reaction, change become possible.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or disempowered, exploring Choice Theory with a therapist might help you reconnect with agency. Ultimately, it can support you to make choices that move you closer to the life you truly want.