About William Glasser International

William Glasser International (WGI) is the official global organisation dedicated to preserving, teaching, and advancing Choice Theory®, Reality Therapy®, and Lead Management — the original works of Dr. William Glasser.


We oversee globally recognized training and certification in Glasser-based professional training, certification, community development, and global collaboration.

What many people don’t expect is the breadth of work involved in supporting individuals, professionals, educators, coaches, leaders, mental-health practitioners, and organisations who apply Dr. Glasser’s ideas around the world.

Our Guiding Principles

Strategic Framework

To Share and Advocate Choice Theory® by Modelling effective relationships and Networking with stakeholders.

Inspiring social and emotional well-being for all humanity.

The WORLD needs “a new model for LIVING”

  • to create individual well-being and mental health,
  • fulfilling relationships, and
  • satisfying work and learning environments.

We provide knowledge and skills, uniquely underpinned by Choice Theory®, an internal model of empowerment for “how people can get along better”.

We operate with Member Organisations around the world, offering culturally respectful training and innovative initiatives.

Connecting, Leading, Celebrating

Our Initiatives

What We Do

  • International Conferences

    WGI’s international events bring together practitioners, educators, counsellors, leaders, and researchers from around the world.

    Each conference aims to introduce fresh insights and innovations, highlight emerging voices, and advance Glasser’s ideas across cultures, disciplines, and generations.

    These gatherings remain the central meeting place for our global community, even as we continue evolving and adapting to the world’s changing needs.

  • Awards and Recognition

    We celebrate individuals and organizations that bring Choice Theory® to life in meaningful and impactful ways.

    WGI awards recognise contributions across:

    • Education
    • Counselling and mental health
    • Leadership and organisational development
    • Community wellbeing
    • Social impact

    The focus is not on titles or prominence, but on real change — in homes, workplaces, classrooms, and communities where it matters most.

  • Professional Standards, Ethics and Certification

    WGI is the official certification body for recognised training in:

    • Choice Theory®
    • Reality Therapy®
    • Lead Management
    • Glasser Quality Schools principles
    • Faculty development and accreditation

    We uphold clear international standards to ensure Dr. Glasser’s work is taught ethically, competently, and authentically, maintaining consistency and credibility across all countries and training centres.

  • Publications & Resources

    To support ongoing learning, WGI produces and curates professional resources, including:

    • The WGI Journal, featuring peer-reviewed articles, research, and global practice
    • Community updates and newsletters sharing stories, tools, and member contributions
    • Practical guides and handouts for educators, counsellors, leaders, and families

    Our aim is to keep Glasser’s ideas fresh, relevant, and accessible.

  • Supporting and Advancing Research

    WGI actively encourages, promotes, and shares research exploring the effectiveness and application of Glasser-based psychology worldwide.

    Through research collaborations and publications, we help raise the visibility of Choice Theory® and Reality Therapy® in academic, clinical, educational, and organisational contexts.

  • Unity, Collaboration and Global Presence

    Worldwide, WGI collaborates with regional and national Glasser organisations to:

    • Build community
    • Share best practices
    • Strengthen professional networks
    • Promote a unified global voice
    • Protect the integrity of Glasser’s theories

    Our international faculty, member organisations, ambassadors, and volunteers support local communities and carry this work into diverse cultural and professional contexts.

  • Community Support and Engagement

    WGI provides multiple spaces — online and in person — for practitioners and learners to connect, share, and grow together.

    This includes:

    • Community cafés and live Q&A sessions
    • Peer learning and practice groups
    • Teaching resources and support packs
    • Global online learning experiences

    We are committed to nurturing a healthy, supportive, and connected Choice Theory® community.

  • Powered by a Small Team with a Big Mission

    Behind the scenes, a dedicated core team — supported by our global faculty, volunteers, and member organisations — works tirelessly to protect, promote, and advance the authentic teachings of Dr. William Glasser.

    Together, we carry forward a legacy grounded in connection, responsibility, creativity, and quality.

Our Evolution

Our History

Dr. William Glasser established an international organization that evolved over several name changes to become the present-day William Glasser International (WGI). The timeline below highlights key developments of the organization and the theories it promotes:

1965

Dr. William Glasser’s influential book, Reality Therapy: A New Approach to Psychiatry, is published, laying the foundation for his methods.

1967

Glasser founds the Institute for Reality Therapy to foster training in his new counselling approach.

1968

The Educator Training Center is established.

Late 1970s

Glasser begins calling the body of his work “Control Theory”.

1987

The William Glasser Institute Ireland (originally the Institute for Reality Therapy in Ireland) is set up, marking the growth of the organization’s international identity.

1994

The parent organization is renamed the Institute for Control Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management.

1996

The institute is renamed the William Glasser Institute.

1998

The theoretical structure evolves into “Choice Theory,” and Glasser publishes his book Choice Theory.

2011

At an international conference in Nashville, the original institute is replaced by a new international board, officially recognizing its global reach. Brian Lennon is named the first chairperson as requested by Dr. Glasser.

2013

Dr. William Glasser passes away on August 23rd.

Present Day

The organization operates as William Glasser International, with 17 member organizations across 21 countries, dedicated to teaching Choice Theory and Reality Therapy principles.

Incase You Were Wondering

FAQs

William Glasser International (WGI) is a global organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing the work of Dr. William Glasser, including Choice Theory®, Reality Therapy®, and Lead-Management.

WGI supports training, certification, and the application of these concepts across education, counselling, leadership, and community development.

Yes. WGI is a non-profit organisation (NPO) registered in the United States.

Its work is focused on education, training, and building capacity in individuals and communities worldwide.

WGI has been in existence for  decades, with its origins dating back to the work and teachings of Dr. William Glasser in the mid-20th century (1960s).

Over time, it has grown into a global network of practitioners, faculty members, and member organisations in over 5 regions globally and close to 31 countries.

Yes. WGI has a global membership base that includes:

  • Individuals interested in personal and professional development
  • Certified practitioners
  • Faculty members
  • Organisations aligned with WGI’s mission

WGI currently offers two primary membership categories:

  • General Membership – for individuals engaging with WGI training and development
  • Faculty Membership – for approved individuals authorised to deliver WGI training

Member Organisations (MOs) are country-based or regional bodies affiliated with WGI.

They:

  • Work in alignment with WGI standards and policies
  • Support the delivery of training locally
  • Promote Choice Theory within their regions
  • Provide a local network for members and practitioners

WGI has Member Organisations in multiple countries across regions such as:

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Oceania

The number and location of Member Organisations continue to grow as the network expands globally.

WGI is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from different countries.

In addition:

  • Member Organisations are part of a broader governance and engagement structure
  • The President/Chairpersons of Member Organisations, along with designated representatives, participate in quarterly meetings with the WGI Board

This structure ensures global representation, collaboration, and shared decision-making.

WGI’s core functions include:

  • Oversee training and certification programmes
  • Maintaining standards and quality assurance
  • Supporting the development of faculty members
  • Promoting the application of Choice Theory globally
  • Facilitating a global professional network

WGI membership is open to:

  • Individuals interested in personal development
  • Professionals in education, counselling, leadership, and related fields
  • Participants in WGI training programmes

Benefits may include:

  • Access to a global network of practitioners and faculty
  • Opportunities for training and professional development
  • Participation in events, conferences, and learning communities
  • Connection to local Member Organisations
  • Ongoing engagement with Choice Theory practice

WGI maintains quality through:

  • A structured training and certification pathway
  • Approved and trained faculty members
  • Clear policies, procedures, and professional standards
  • Ongoing engagement with Member Organisations

No. WGI operates through a combination of:

  • Direct global coordination
  • Local Member Organisations (where they exist)

In countries without a Member Organisation, WGI works directly with faculty and training providers.

WGI fosters collaboration through:

  • Regular engagement between the Board and Member Organisations
  • Global events and conferences
  • Faculty networks and peer collaboration
  • Shared learning and resource development

Yes. WGI partners with complementary organizations and systems:

  • Schools and universities
  • Government departments
  • Non-profit organisations
  • Community-based initiatives

Partnerships focus on applying Choice Theory to real-world challenges and systems.

WGI’s work is supported through:

  • Membership fees
  • Training and certification fees
  • Partnerships and collaborations
  • Donations and funding support

As a non-profit, funds are directed toward advancing its mission and global impact.

WGI’s vision is “Inspiring social and emotional wellbeing for all humanity”  to create a world where:

  • People build strong, meaningful relationships
  • Individuals take responsibility for their choices
  • Systems support connection, growth, and wellbeing

You can get involved by:

  • Becoming a member
  • Attending training programmes
  • Connecting with your local Member Organisation
  • Participating in events and initiatives

Connecting • Leading • Celebrating

A Unified Global and Local Experience

Membership connects you to both William Glasser International and your local Member Organization, offering the strength of a global perspective with the relevance of local connection.

Be part of a global movement advancing human connection, responsibility, and choice.

Become a Member