Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology
Based on the concept of holism. A phenomenological approach. Teleological explanation of human behavior. Social interest is stressed. Birth order and sibling relationships. Therapy as teaching, informing and encouraging.Basic mistakes in the client's priv
The Phenomenological Approach
Adlerians attempt to view the world from the client's subjective frame of reference. How life is in reality is less important than how the individual believes life to be. Our present interpretation of childhood experiences matters more than the actual eve
Social Interest
Adler's most significant and distinctive concept: Refers to an individual's attitude toward and awareness of being a part of the human community. Embodies a community feeling and emphasizes the client's positive feelings toward others in the world. Mental
Lifestyle
A life movement that organizes the client's reality, giving meaning to life "fictional finalism" or "guiding self ideal". Psychiatric symptoms are "failed attempts" at achieving our lifestyle. Adlerian therapy helps clients to effectively navigate lifesty
Inferiority Feelings
Are normal and are the wellspring of creativity. Develop when we are young--characterized by early feelings of hopelessness.
Superiority Feelings
Promote mastery and enable us to overcome obstacles.
Related Complexes
Inferiority Complex or Superiority Complex.
Birth Order
Five psychological positions:
1) Oldest child- receives more attention, spoiled, center of attention
2) Second of only two- behaves as if in a race, often opposite to first child
3) Middle- often feels squeezed out
4) Youngest- the baby
5) Only- does not
Adlerian Therapy Phase 1: Establishing the Proper Therapeutic Relationship
Supportive, collaborative, educational, encouraging process.
Person-to-person contact with the client precedes identification of the problem.
Help client build awareness of his or her strengths.
Adlerian Therapy Phase 2: Exploring the Individual's Psychological Dynamics
Lifestyle assessment.
Subjective interview.
Objective interview.
Family constellation.
Early recollections.
Basic Mistakes.
Adlerian Therapy Phase 3: Encouraging Self-Understanding/Insight
Interpret the findings of the assessment.
Hidden goals and purposes of behavior are made conscious. Therapist offers interpretations to help clients gain insight into their private logic and lifestyle.
Adlerian Therapy Phase 4: Reorientation and Re-education
Action-oriented phase; emphasis is on putting insights into practice. Clients reoriented toward the useful side of life.
Encouragement
Most distinctive intervention; central to all phases of Adlerian therapy. It is a fundamental attitude more than a technique. Expecting clients to assume responsibility for their lives builds their self-confidence and courage. Discouragement is the basic
Application to Group Counseling
Group provides a social context in which members can develop a sense of community and social-relatedness.
Sharing of early recollections increases group cohesiveness.
Action-oriented strategies for behavior change are implemented to help group members wor
Other Areas of Application
Child guidance
School psychology and counseling
Parent education
Couples and family counseling
Cultural conflicts
Correctional and rehabilitation counseling
The community mental health movement
Mental health institutions
Strengths From a Diversity Perspective
The Adlerian approach stresses the effects of social class, racism, sex, and gender on the behavior of individuals.
The therapeutic process is grounded within a client's culture and worldview.
Contemporary Adlerians appreciate the role of spirituality and
Limitations From a Diversity Perspective
The approach focuses on the self as the locus of change and responsibility; emphasis on changing the autonomous self may be problematic for many clients.
It has potential drawbacks for those who are not interested in exploring past childhood experiences,
Contributions of Adlerian Therapy
This approach is flexible and integrative; it allows for the use of relational, cognitive, behavioral, emotive, and experiential techniques. It is suited to brief, time-limited therapy. Many of Adler's ideas were revolutionary and far ahead of his time. M
Limitations of the Adlerian Approach
Adler spent most of his time teaching his theory as opposed to systematically documenting it. Some consider Adlerian theory simplistic. Many of Adler's theoretical constructs (i.e. lifestyle) are difficult to measure and require empirical testing. Researc