Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy

Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy was Developed by: Alfred Adler  (1870 – 1937)

Overview of Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy: "Meanings are not determined by situations. We determine ourselves by the meanings we ascribe to situations." ~Alfred Adler.

Alfred Adler, world renowned philosopher and psychiatrist, stressed the need to understand individuals within their social context. During the early 1900's, Adler began addressing such crucial and contemporary issues as equality, parent education, the influence of birth order, life style, and the holism of individuals. Adler believed that we all have one basic desire and goal: to belong and to feel significant. Adler developed the first holistic theory of personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy that was intimately connected to a humanistic philosophy of living. According to Adler, when we feel encouraged, we feel capable and appreciated and will generally act in a connected and cooperative way. When we are discouraged, we may act in unhealthy ways by competing, withdrawing, or giving up. It is in finding ways of expressing and accepting encouragement, respect, and social interest that help us feel fulfilled and optimistic. Adlerian theory and practice have proven especially productive as applied to the growth and development of children.  Adlerians believe that "a misbehaving child is a discouraged child" and that helping children to feel valued, significant, and competent is often the most effective strategy in coping with difficult child behaviors.

Adlerian Psychology focuses on people's efforts to compensate for their self-perceived inferiority to others. These feelings of inferiority may derive from one's position in the family constellation, particularly if early experiences of humiliation occurred; a specific physical condition or defect existed; or a general lack of social feeling for others was present. Adlerians are concerned with understanding the unique and private beliefs and strategies (one's life style) that each individual creates in childhood. This cognitive schema and life style serve as the individual's reference for attitudes, behaviors, and one's private view of self, others, and the world. It is when we have looked at our early life experiences, examined the patterns of behavior that repeat themselves in our lives, and the methods by which we go about trying to gain significance and belonging that healing, growth, and change occur.  

Adlerian individual psychotherapy, brief therapy, couple therapy, and family therapy follow parallel paths. Clients are encouraged to overcome their feelings of insecurity, develop deeper feelings of connectedness, and to redirect their striving for significance into more socially beneficial directions. Through a respectful Socratic dialogue, they are challenged to correct mistaken assumptions, attitudes, behaviors, and feelings about themselves and the world. Constant encouragement stimulates clients to attempt what was believed impossible. The growth of confidence, pride, and gratification leads to a greater desire and ability to cooperate. The objective of therapy is to replace exaggerated self-protection, self-enhancement, and self-indulgence with courageous social contribution.  ~Excerpt from: http://www.alfredadler.edu/overview/adlerian.htm

Resources Related to Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy: 

Official Website for Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy NASAP is The North American Society of Adlerian Psychology. There mission is to foster and promote the research, knowledge, training, and application of Adlerian Psychology, maintaining its principles and encouraging its growth.

Alfred Adler and Individual Psychology A slide presentation of the principles of Individual Psychology.

A Short Biography on Adler From the Southeastern University Psychology Department.

Classical Adlerian Theory & Practice By Henry T. Stein, Ph.D. & Martha E. Edwards, Ph.D.

Wikipedia's Page about Adlerian Psychology

Books Related to Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy:

Adlerian Psychology / Psychotherapy Article Summaries