Adlerian Counseling Theory

Named after Alfred Adler, Adlerian theory 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, thus 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.

Adlerian Counseling theory suggests that the counselor take part in a more subjective experience with the client rather than using techniques per say. This type of therapy includes using life-history data such as early memories, personal experiences and views of opinions. Sharing interpretations with clients as well as offering encouragement and searching for new possibilities and strategies are a large part of adlerian therapy.

Many sessions are initiated with the Adlerian counselor observing the client in their natural life. The counselor may observe the interactions between the client and their friends and family. This type of counseling is not simplistic and is usually a type of long- term therapy, however it is a good approach to use when the client wants to seek out the root of their struggles through dream interpretation and family history.



References:



Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (9th ed. ed.). Belmont, CA:        Brooks/Cole CENGAGAE Learning.