Ilisaqsivik uses Choice Theory as its philosophical basis and has found a Choice Theory approach to be very helpful in all areas of its family resource centre operations.

Choice Theory is described by the William Glasser Institute in the following way:

"Choice Theory attempts to explain both the psychological and physiological behavior
of all living creatures.

It maintains that all we do from birth to death is behave, and that our behavior is internally motivated and chosen. Specifically, all of our behavior is our best attempt to satisfy one or more of five basic needs built into our genetic structure: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. In practice, the most important need is love and belonging, as closeness and connectedness with the people we care about is a requisite for satisfying all of the needs.

Choice Theory is offered to replace external control psychology, the present psychology of almost all the people in the world. Unfortunately, this forcing, punishing psychology is destructive to relationships. External control, when used in a relationship, will always destroy the ability of one or both to find satisfaction in that relationship and will result in people becoming disconnected from those with whom they want to be connected.

Choice Theory contends that the only person's behavior we can control is our own. By using this theory, we help people learn that what they do is not determined by external causes, but instead by what goes on inside of them."

What is Reality Therapy?

"Reality Therapy is the method of counselling that Dr. Glasser has been teaching since 1965. It is now firmly based on Choice Theory and its successful application is dependent on the counsellor's familiarity with, and the knowledge of, that theory. In fact, teaching Choice Theory is now part of Reality Therapy. ….

"Reality Therapy is different from most psychotherapeutic approaches because it focuses on the present and helps people understand that they can choose a better future. This is based on the Choice Theory axiom that states, regardless of what has occurred in the past, to be happy and effective we must live and plan in the present. Because of this, it is an effective, short-term therapy in the age of managed care."

What is Lead-Management?

The William Glasser Institute also works extensively with organizations, such as schools, to replace external control theory with Choice Theory as the psychology that drives the system. In practice, this means moving from a boss-management approach to one of Lead-management.

Lead-managers continually work on the system to create a non-coercive environment where students/workers can self-evaluate and achieve quality work. The only way any organization will achieve its goal - quality work - is if the lead-manager can persuade students/ workers to continually upgrade the system by communicating in ways that build trust."

Visit the web site of the William Glasser Institute: www.wglasserinst.com

Ilisaqsivik has found in Choice Theory a framework of understanding that has helped us as individuals get more out of life. It has also helped our organization to continue to move ahead and has helped our community to begin to heal.

We find that Reality Therapy lends itself well to Inuktitut and that it incorporates many Inuit cultural values. Reality Therapy lends itself well to work with children, youth, adults and Elders individual, couples or group sessions. We regularly offer courses in personal and family development in our community.

Lead Management has 'cleaned' up our organization and enabled workers and board members alike to build more effective and happier work relationships. Since learning about Lead Management, our Society's meetings have become pleasant, purposeful and productive, leaving behind blame and shame.

Some of the ways we carry this out at Ilisaqsivik follow:

• Connecting with others first and foremost
• Celebrating together
• Noticing the needs, big and small, of others, and helping people to meet those needs
• Informing each other of our own needs
• Thoughtful acts of kindness
• Treating the organization of Ilisaqsivik as one would a client, making sure that the needs of Love and Belonging, Empowerment, Freedom and Play and Fun are met at all levels of the organization: staffing, programming, administration, visioning
• Using Inuktitut all the time
• Learning and being actively involved in Inuit culture
• Developing plans and programs on the premise that "the people themselves know best"
• Using gossip as information about changing, actions instead of being defeated by gossip
• Giving information that is clear and appropriate to avoid presumption and gossip, and acting on facts only
• Turning negatives to positives
• Making boundaries clear
• Checking in regularly with individuals and with groups: How are you? What do you need?
• Making it clear that everyone is equal: men and women, Elders and youth, Qallunaat and Inuit
• Avoiding Why? questions that usually imply guilt
• Feelings are OK
• Dropping a program or a proposal or an advocacy issue if it is not working well. It's often better to leave it be, and spend our energy on something that is working.
• Taking responsibility for our own choices, and not blaming others