WGI SYMPOSIUM | William Glasser Intl

26 April 2025

Theme: CHOICE THEORY IN ACTION: Turning Knowledge into Impact

The WGI Global Online Symposium is the premier global event that brings together practitioners, faculty, and individuals passionate about Choice Theory to explore its real-world application.

More than just a symposium, this event is an opportunity to witness firsthand how Choice Theory is transforming lives and relationships across personal and professional domains.

By attending, participants will gain insight into the lived experience of Choice Theory, learning from authentic stories of change while connecting with a global community that believes in personal empowerment through internal control psychology. This symposium isn’t about teaching; it’s about living the model and witnessing its impact.

With flexible time zones and engaging presentations, the symposium is a unique chance to turn knowledge into impact—whether you're new to Choice Theory or a seasoned practitioner.

why attend

Transform Knowledge into Action: Discover how living Choice Theory creates personal freedom and strengthens relationships.
Real Stories, Real Impact: Hear how individuals across diverse professions and personal contexts have applied Choice Theory to create meaningful change.
Global Community, Local Impact: Connect with like-minded individuals from around the world and be part of a movement that fosters respect, choice, and empowerment.
Flexible & Accessible: Three-time blocks ensure participation from any time zone, making it convenient for a global audience.

what to expect

Engaging Presentations from Experts: Certified practitioners and faculty members share how Choice Theory has shaped their lives and professions.
Authenticity Over Theory: This event goes beyond conceptual discussions—witness the reality of Choice Theory in Action.
An Invitation to Live Differently: This is not about imposing change on the world but rather shifting ourselves and witnessing the ripple effect of that change.

who should attend

Choice Theory Enthusiasts: Whether you're new to Choice Theory or a long-time practitioner, there’s something here for you.
Leaders & Professionals: Coaches, educators, counselors, managers, caregivers—anyone looking to empower themselves and others.
Anyone Seeking Personal Growth: If you're seeking a more fulfilling way to navigate relationships, work, and life, this symposium is for you.

The world is shifting. Traditional ways of leading, teaching, and helping others have never worked to create real, lasting change. This symposium is your opportunity to learn a better way—one that fosters real empowerment, self-motivation, and connection.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM

Dr Jaismeen Kaur

The Efficacy of Choice Theory & Reality Therapy in Enhancing School Conduct among Students

Dr. Jaismeen Kaur is a psychologist and head of the Counseling Center at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala. Her award-winning research on Reality Therapy for Empty Nest Syndrome has been widely recognized, featured in major media, and presented at Oxford University.

This presentation shares the results of a pre-post intervention study using Choice Theory and Reality Therapy to improve student behavior. Across 23 groups from grades 1–10, students showed increased self-regulation, better classroom discipline, and stronger social skills—highlighting the approach’s effectiveness in promoting positive school conduct.

Jo Astorini

Choice to change

Jo Astorini is a passionate advocate for Choice Theory, beginning her journey through a workplace initiative aimed at supporting students and families in a low socio-economic community. What started as a professional tool to help others, soon transformed Jo’s own life. Through Choice Theory, she gained valuable insights into human behavior, not only supporting those around her but also deepening her understanding of her own actions and decisions.

This presentation shares a personal journey sparked by a life-changing Basic Intensive Training with Sarah Rudling. It explores the wide-reaching impact of Choice Theory across the presenter’s workplace, community groups, schools, Glasser Australia, and personal life—demonstrating how living the principles creates meaningful change in every sphere.

Suganthi Rajandran

A Survivor story

A Senior Counsellor at Yishun Family Service Centre, with over 13 years in social services, this presenter specializes in family violence and parenting. Leading key initiatives like the Awakening Parenting Programme, she empowers families through Choice Theory principles, helping individuals take ownership of their choices to foster positive change.

This presentation shares a powerful journey of healing from trauma, leaving a toxic work environment, and reclaiming self-worth. It offers insights on setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and making life choices that align with personal values.

Christine Duffield

GQS journey of Rahyar School, Tehran, Iran

Christine is a WGI Basic Instructor and long-time educator who began her Choice Theory journey in 2004. Over her 43.5-year teaching career, she integrated CT/RT/LM into her classrooms. Since retiring, she has served as Glasser Quality Schools Coordinator for Glasser Australia, helping co-verify GQS schools in Australia and Iran—driven by her vision of seeing more schools worldwide become part of the WGI GQS community.

In this presentation Christine will share with others what was involved in being part of a co-verifiying team for Rahyar School in Tehran, Iran (from her house in Whyalla, South Australia)

Dr Gloria Smith Cissé

Teranga: Radical Belonging in Difficult Conversations, A Choice Theory Approach to Connection Over Control

Dr. Gloria Smith Cissé: the story-catching change agent, blends the wisdom of lived experience with the rigor of academic excellence to reimagine mental wellness - not as a service, but as a movement. She is a therapist, innovator, curriculum builder, and community architect. She was a Glasser Scholar and completed her certification in 2009, and later became a practicum supervisor and faculty member of the Glasser Institute. She's the co-founder of the Southern Center for Choice Theory in Macon, GA.

This session explores Teranga—a Senegalese tradition of radical hospitality—and how it integrates with Choice Theory to foster inclusion, equity, and connection. Participants will gain practical tools for creating psychologically safe spaces using principles like intentional welcome, person-first language, and nonviolent communication.

Maureen McIntosh

I Want to see a Psychiatrist!

It has been over 35 years since Maureen became Certified. Maureen is a Retired Registered Nurse, a Licensed Counselling Therapist, ICF Certified Coach and most importantly a member of the Senior Faculty of WGI. Maureen spent 20 years as a Sexual Health nurse, working with youth. Next year will be the 35th anniversary since she started Moncton Reality Therapy Consultants. She lives with her partner Doug and her grandchildren are the love of her life

This session explores

• Why Maureen wanted to visit a psychiatrist and about the turmoil that was in her life at the time.

• How these ideas influenced her workplace.

• How the ideas spread into the community. The Only Glasser Quality School in Canada

• How using only, the Caring Habits and facing her own limiting beliefs helped her end her tumultuous relationship.

• How passion turned into her life’s purpose.

• Maybe a little about why be “president “of Glasser Canada

Graham O' Connor

Choice theory, a way of being

Graham is an experienced professional with over ten years experience working in the field of Addiction. He has qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Community development and Addiction and is a Practicum supervisor with the William Glasser institute Ireland. His training has equipped him with a solid foundation in therapeutic practice in both one to one and Group setting's. His work is deeply informed by William Glasser's theories and acts as a framework in much of his clinical aswell as personal interactions with people in his day to day life.

In this presentation I will share my experience of learning, teaching and implementing Choice Theory both professionally and personally. I will speak about internalizing Dr Glasser's theories and modelling the model weather in a clinical or personal capacity. Internalized Choice theory can bring a new way of being which can be shared through and enhance all relationships we have with other people in our lives.

Lois DaSilva-Knapton

Promoting Psychological Safety through Effective Lead Management

Dr. Lois DaSilva-Knapton lives in Hampton, New Hampshire, USA and is a mother, a wife, a grandmother, a world traveler, a college professor, a Glasser Institute for Choice Theory Faculty, and a veteran educator having served in numerous positions over the past 26 years. After a messy divorce, she started her educational career at 35. She was a para-educator, then moved on to Special Education Teacher, Building Coordinator, Assistant Principal / Principal, Central Office Director of Special Education and Superintendent of Schools. She has served on multiple missions trips to Africa. She has also presented on Choice Theory Leadership concepts in over five countries. She loves to dance, laugh and play with her grandchildren.

Participants will leave this presentation with a solid definition of Psychological Safety and how it connects to Choice Theory, understand the "why" behind it, and will learn some strategies for implementation.

David Langer

Navigating the World as a Person you don't know

I work for a university where I am a Regional Coordinator of Self-Management programs for caregivers and patients dealing with Chronic Pain, Chronic Conditions, Diabetes, and Cancer. I am currently serving a second 3-year term on the Glasser Canada Board where I enjoy cohosting our GC interactive monthly FREE webinar, Ventures: The Show, where we invite guests from all over the world to share how they use RT, CT, and LM in their lives.

This presentation is about how Glasser's concepts hold true, no matter what life throws at us, and how understanding them can help someone even when their thoughts, actions, physiology, and feelings have drastically changed due to the combined effects of massive pain, a TBI, and a lot of strong medications.

Sarah Rudling

Choice to change

Sarah has been an educator for the past 30 years. In 2018, she resigned from her position as Principal to begin her own company 3C Consultancy – Creating Change through Choice. In 2024, with some other colleagues, Sarah began the Salutogenic Schools Alliance – teaching, leading and learning the holistic assets for health and wellness. There are currently over 35 schools in NSW Australia, working as part of this alliance.

Sarah is a Basic Intensive Instructor, Practicum Supervisor, a Member of the Glasser Australia Board and the Convenor of the 2026 Glasser International Conference.

Sarah is determined and excited to inspire “passionate curiosity” sharing a vision with her idol Jim Henson - “leaving the world a little bit better than when I got here.”

BOOK NOW

WGI Global Online Symposium 2025

📅 April 26, 2025 | Global Online Event - Nine sessions over 3-time blocks
🎯 Theme: CHOICE THEORY IN ACTION: Turning Knowledge into Impact

🔹 Transform the Way You Lead, Teach & Inspire

In today’s world, motivation, engagement, and connection are more challenging than ever—whether in classrooms, workplaces, or personal relationships. Traditional methods of control, compliance, and external motivators have never truly worked to create meaningful, lasting change.