Choosing to Connect

By Hannah Slattery, LPC, NCC

Do you find yourself struggling to connect with your spouse, friends or family? Are you trying to find happiness and feel fulfilled but nothing you do seems to work? Dr. William Glasser, internationally recognized psychiatrist who is best known as the creator of Choice Theory and author of Reality Therapy believed that most psychological problems occurred due to our unsatisfactory relationships.

Every single one of us has developed a set of habits in our lives, whether or not they are beneficial for our life, like working out consistently or habits that inhibit growth like procrastinating getting our work done. We also have relationship habits that we have grown accustomed to that either inhibit or establish growth. Humans are social creatures regardless if you deem yourself an introvert or extrovert. The health of the relationships that we surround ourselves with thus correlate to how healthy we are. Choice Theory was developed to help people gain a sense of self-control and take responsibility for their actions, this also comes into play when we are discussing our relationships. 

Connecting Habits

In Choice Theory the seven connecting habits are positive practices for establishing healthy relationships;

1. Supporting

2. Encouraging

3. Listening 

4. Accepting