These are the people who come to Clyde River for the counselors' course. They have received their final certificate on May 13th. Some of the people who started the course will not be certified this time, but will maybe complete the course in the future. Here are the names that of the Clyde River Reality Therapy certified Counselor graduates!:

And these people are from the other group, and they have been taking courses in Iqaluit, they have also got certified with the other group:

Anna Calvert, a faculty member of the 'William Glasser Institute was leading counselors through their final certification week from May 9th to May 13th.
Thank you Anna and Jim for coming to Clyde River! What Anna holding in her hand is a marble carved Polar Bear, a gift from the counselors.

Top left to right: David Irnaut, Rebecca Iqalukjuak, Sarah Killiktee, Novalinga Kinguatsiaq, Pauloosie Mukpa, Rhoda Natanine and Thomas Ootook.

Bottom left to right: Patricia Smith, Rick Puteran (Reality Therapy Instructor), Ooloosie Ashevak, Anna Calvert (Reality Therapy Instructor), Minnie Nungaq, Joseph Quqqiaq Sr. and Tommy Anguttitauruq.

Choice Theory is a new psychology that describes how our brain functions. It says that the only thing people do is behave, and that people choose almost all of their behavior.

Ilisaqsivik Society has found the application of Choice Theory through Reality Therapy when working with people, and through Lead Management, when working with organizations, to be not only useful but life-changing as well. Using Choice Theory has allowed programs and workers at Ilisaqsivik to move beyond 'victiming' and external control to taking responsibility for ourselves and becoming internally controlled as individuals, and as an organization. See About Ilisaqsivik: What is Choice Theory?.

Ten people from across Nunavut have participated in the Clyde River Choice Theory / Reality Therapy Course, offered from October, 2000, for a week every two to four months. This has been a great commitment of time and effort, not only for the participants, but also for all of Ilisaqsivik's Board and staff. The investment was well worth it, however. Here are some of the stories of the participants:

I found out that I am a good counselor and I am proud to be Inuk; I am proud to be who I am no matter what race I am.

I have learned to not criticize or judge my client, but to accept them as equals, and to treat everyone as equals - myself included!

[Male Inuk counselor] I have learned to open up more to Inuk men. I have always been more comfortable with women, but learning to open up to Inuk men more properly creates within me and the other men a better understanding.

I learned how to go to the past for positives and to help clients release the past and move into the present and future.

I learned to be level on level with all people, young people as well as elders. I learned to connect with people and to realize that getting involved takes time and goes deeper and deeper.

I now know that putting myself down won't help me.

It is important to support and care for each other!

I don't need to wear a stern look on my face when I am counseling people.

I learned that I have a use!

Counselors and people can help each other, but a client needs to help himself or herself as well.

I learned we could all let go of the past that is bothering us and move into the quality world of the present.

For more information on Choice Theory, visit : www.wglasserinst.com