Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy Ninth Edition: Chapter 5 Adlerian Therapy

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