Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian Therapy introduced by Alfred

Adler
Similar to Freuds 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 individuals

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 selfsufficient from inferiority to

superiority.
Three factors can hinder a childs
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 ones selfimportance 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.

Adlers 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
cant trust anyone.
Misperceptions of lifes demands- Lifes
too hard.
Minimization or denial of ones worth- I
dont 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 wasnt 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 therapists
encouragement).

Encouragement and
Creativity
Acting as if
Catching Oneself
The Question
Spitting in the clients 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, selfdevelopment, spiritual development

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