Adlerian Theory
Sonjia D.Lynch
November 19, 2009
Scholarly Paper
COU 6312-40
Group Counseling
Dr. Crook
The Adlerian theory, which was named after Alfred Adler, primarily emphasizes birth order, individual life styles, social interests, and concepts pertaining to inferiority and superiority as principle components of personality. For Adler, psychological health is determined by the level of social contribution beneficial to the greater community. To the degree, that one integrates and furthers the social context, the measurement of his or her mental health. Social contribution is increased through the reduction of mistaken beliefs, which frequently lead to maladaptive feelings of inferiority or superiority. This goal of combating false beliefs is attained through an understanding of family constellations, early memories, and dreams. The goals of the Adlerian theory are to bring about an increased social interest modify self-destructive behavior, and solve problems more efficiently. To reach these aspirations in a clinical setting, psychotherapy provides a choice to counselors as a base for identifying and addressing incorrect thoughts and belief patterns. Sigmund Freud, is a indirect contributor to Adlerian therapy. During the initial sessions of the Adlerian theory the therapists provides and opportunity to observe and assess clients in order to gauge their family dynamics present lifestyle, and early childhood experiences. These assessments may be formal or informal using questionnaires or direct inquiry. Therapists also rely on dreams and the interpretive meaning for the client’s current situation and struggles. “Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations”(Hoffman, 1994)
Lynch p.2
Initial sessions provide Adlerian therapists with an opportunity to observe and assess clients in order to gauge their family dynamics, present
November 19, 2009
Scholarly Paper
COU 6312-40
Group Counseling
Dr. Crook
The Adlerian theory, which was named after Alfred Adler, primarily emphasizes birth order, individual life styles, social interests, and concepts pertaining to inferiority and superiority as principle components of personality. For Adler, psychological health is determined by the level of social contribution beneficial to the greater community. To the degree, that one integrates and furthers the social context, the measurement of his or her mental health. Social contribution is increased through the reduction of mistaken beliefs, which frequently lead to maladaptive feelings of inferiority or superiority. This goal of combating false beliefs is attained through an understanding of family constellations, early memories, and dreams. The goals of the Adlerian theory are to bring about an increased social interest modify self-destructive behavior, and solve problems more efficiently. To reach these aspirations in a clinical setting, psychotherapy provides a choice to counselors as a base for identifying and addressing incorrect thoughts and belief patterns. Sigmund Freud, is a indirect contributor to Adlerian therapy. During the initial sessions of the Adlerian theory the therapists provides and opportunity to observe and assess clients in order to gauge their family dynamics present lifestyle, and early childhood experiences. These assessments may be formal or informal using questionnaires or direct inquiry. Therapists also rely on dreams and the interpretive meaning for the client’s current situation and struggles. “Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations”(Hoffman, 1994)
Lynch p.2
Initial sessions provide Adlerian therapists with an opportunity to observe and assess clients in order to gauge their family dynamics, present
References: Slavik, S. & King, R. (2007). Adlerian therapeutic strategy. The Canadian Journal of Adlerian Psychology, 37(1), 3-16 Oberst, U. E. and Stewart, A. E. (2003). Adlerian Psychotherapy: An Advanced Approach to Individual Psychology. New York: Brunner-Routledge Carlson, J., Watts, R. E., & Maniacci, M. (2005). Adlerian Therapy: Theory and Practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Hoffman, E. (1994). The Drive for Self: Alfred Adler and the Founding of Individual Psychology. New York: Addison-Wesley Co. Yalom, Irvin D. The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. 4th edition. Basic Books, New York, NY, 1995.