Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian Therapy introduced by Alfred Adler Similar to Freud’s belief that personalities are formed in early years, by age 6 Adlerian Theory emphasizes the Social nature of the individual

Adlerian Theory Adler believed that an individual’s “psychological health can be measured by the contribution that individuals make to their community and to society” (Sharf, 2002, p.119).

Social Interest Adler believed the mother-child bond was the first and most significant relationship in the development of social interest. Any dysfunction in a mother-child or father-child relationship can bring about a lack of social interest in a child.

Style of Life Adler defined lifestyle as how an individual creatively solves problems and achieves goals. Adler believed that a style of life is established in childhood.

Adler describes 4 types of people Socially useful type – high social interest and high degree of activity (amount of energy an individual displays for dealing with problems) Ruling type – low social-interest – yet ruling i.e. thieves, drug addicts Getting type – low social interest – looks to receive rather than give Avoiding type – low social interest – low activity levels – may be looked upon as shy, lonely

Inferiority and Superiority Throughout life, a child strives to become more independent and self-sufficient –from inferiority to superiority. Three factors can hinder a child’s development : physical disabilities, pampering, and neglect.

Inferiority and Superiority If an individual does not overcome feelings of inferiority, a person may develop inferiority complex. Adler described how individuals try to overcome this “less than” feeling by actually “inflating one’s self-importance in order to overcome these inferiority feelings.”

Birth order Adler believed that the place the child was in the family determined how the individual would develop a style of life and social interest. Exact birth order was not necessary, but the perceived role in the family was more important.

Adler’s Goals in Therapy and Counseling To increase social interest

Assessment Evaluate Family Dynamics – interactions with the family Early Recollections – Adler believed that we remember events in our lives for a reason – they had an impact on us in some way Dreams- especially childhood and recurrent dreams

Basic Mistakes Adler believed that these flaws in thinking are due to some earlier events or experiences.

Five Basic Mistakes Overgeneralizations- “all”, “should”, “always”; He “should” like me. False or impossible goals of security – “I can’t trust anyone.” Misperceptions of life’s demands- “Life’s too hard.” Minimization or denial of one’s worth- “I don’t matter.” Faulty Values – “I have to steal because I have no money.”

Assets Adler believes that it is important to evaluate and illustrate to the client the good things that are working in their life. An example of assets could be a strong family, academic or vocational skills, special abilities/or talents.

Insight and Interpretation Adler believed that it wasn’t useful to point out psychological problems to the client (such as a lack of confidence). He believed rather in asking questions for the client to ponder. This way, the client would not become defensive or offended. Questions such as “Have you thought of..” or “Is it possible..?”

Reorientation Phase In therapy, insights from early recollections, family constellations, and dreams are analyzed. Patient now has insight and work can be done to develop goals, make changes in actions, and take risks in their lives (with therapist’s encouragement).

Encouragement and Creativity Acting “as if” Catching Oneself “The Question” Spitting in the client’s soup Avoiding the tar baby Push-Button technique Paradoxical intention

Closing Process of Therapy Action-oriented approaches with goals and homework assigned to accomplish task Goals are assigned to help client with the five major tasks in life: love, occupation, society, self-development, spiritual development

Text Reference Sharf R. S.(2004). L. Gebo (Ed.), Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.