What is Adlerian Counseling?
Adlerian counseling is a behavioral treatment type used to help those who are struggling with maladjustment and dangerous or destructive behavior. It was created by Alfred Adler, an Austrian doctor who came to the United States in 1935. According to the Adler Graduate School, his was the first “holistic theory of personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy that was intimately connected to a humanistic philosophy of living.”
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How Does It Work?
Those who practice this type of therapy ascribe to these philosophies:
- “Every person has their own subjective view of their environment which leads a person to develop their own way of acting and reacting in their environment, this is called a person’s lifestyle” (SHSU).
- All people are unique.
- All individuals experience issues with inferiority which may cause them to become maladjusted.
- Because of this, they try to compensate by setting a goal for their future which will, in their eyes, fix all problems. “Usually, individuals are not fully aware of their goal.”
- People must be encouraged in order to be well-adjusted and happy.
Adlerian therapy is a very patient-centered and flexible method of treatment.
Adlerian counseling works to help individuals with issues of maladjustment become more content with themselves and to function better in society. This could mean someone with a mental disorder or a substance or behavioral addiction. As stated by the SHSU, there are four stages used by the counselor to help a patient with this specific treatment.
- #1: Develop “a respectful and trusting relationship” with the patient.
- #2: Assess the problems of the patient through the analysis of their dreams, early memories and “family constellations.”
- #3: Interpret the words of the patient so they can understand their actions to be motivated by certain goals they have and events which have occurred in their lives.
- #4: Reorient the patient so that they can find solutions for their feelings and behaviors and so their actions become more productive.
According to the AGS, “Adlerian psychology focuses on people’s efforts to compensate for their self-perceived inferiority to others.” As the theory states, this is often caused in childhood and must be traced back to its origins. Once it has been, the patient’s need for acceptance and encouragement can be redirected into more socially acceptable actions as well as fulfilled in their treatment.
A large part of the counseling itself deals with encouraging patients in a way that allows them to open up and see themselves in a better light. “The growth of confidence, pride, and gratification leads to a greater desire and ability to cooperate.”
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Potential Patients for Adlerian Counseling
Those who are struggling with a mental disorder, substance abuse, or another form of personality or societal dysfunction may benefit from this treatment type. During counseling, the individual will learn how to direct their feelings in a more positive manner and to become more confident and content. It is also particularly effective in the treatment of children.
Adlerian counseling is practiced in a one-on-one setting in order to foster a strong bond between therapist and patient. By the nature of its philosophy, it can be readjusted to suit almost any patient in need of treatment for behavioral issues because Adlerian view every patient as an individual who has been shaped by specific needs, dreams, and experiences.
