Adlerian Therapy

Alfred Adler 1870-1937

Adlerian Therapy

• Founder- Alfred Adler (Corey, 2012).
• Key concepts- view of human nature, subjective perception of reality, unity and patterns of human personality, social interest and community feelings, and birth order and sibling relationships (Corey, 2012).

1. View of human nature- Adler believed that a person truly begins to form the reality of life in the first 6 years of life rather than from birth. According to Kottman, Adlerians believe a person's lifestyle is not formed until age of 8, so therefore play therapy is best way to bring growth and change in a child (Kottman, 2001). Also believing that a person's past can greatly influence a person's present behavior. He also felt it was very important to educate society (Corey, 2012). 
2. Subjective perception of reality- this concept was that Adler tried to view the world and reality as a client would do so. 
3. Unity and patterns of human personality- in this concept Adler tried to understand a person from all perspectives of their life and how all these components come together by the way they are going to a specific goal in life.
4. Social interest and community feeling- According to Corey, social interest is being as concerned about other's around you as you are about one's self (p. 106). Community feeling is the thought of being connected to the community and being part in making the world a better place (p. 107).
5. Birth order and sibling relationships- this concept deals greatly with the order in which a person was born and their relationship with the siblings. The oldest child in a family is usually the center of attention for a family and receives all the attention. The second child always seems to feel that they have to share everything with the first child. The middle child feels that they are always left out and that they are treated unfair and are usually the problem child of the family. The youngest child is always considered the baby of the family at any age and seems to be the most spoiled. The only child usually does not play or participate well with other children but most often has a high achievement drive. The birth order can play an important role in how a person will grow up and relate to the world.

• Therapeutic goal- the main goal of Adlerian therapy is for a person to grow in their personal life and in their personality. It also helps a person find their true belonging and to adapt to new behaviors. This is often done by helping a person become more aware of themselves. 

References 

Corey, G. (2012). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (9th edition). Belmont, CA:

            Brooks/Cole.

Kottman, T. (2001). Adlerian play therapy. International Journal of Play Therapy, 10(2), 1-12. 

                doi:10.1037/h0089476