Understanding Adlerian Theory

Situations do not determine meanings, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give situations.

 Alfred Adler

Alfred Adler is a renowned Austrian psychiatrist and philosopher who delved into understanding the cause of human behaviours through social contexts. In the early 1900s, he focused on factors like social interaction, parenting, birth order, and lifestyle that played a major role in shaping human behaviour. He also found that a “sense of belongingness” is a fundamental human desire.

Adlerian theory offers a holistic perspective that dictates how the environment we are in, influences our behavior and our desire to fit in. It emphasizes dealing with feelings of inferiority to succeed in life. Adlerian psychology also focuses on how people attempt to compensate for their self-perceived inferiority towards others around them. These feelings may stem from factors like birth order, especially if there has been any mistreatment occurred in early childhood.

Read More: A Glimpse into the Life of Alfred Adler

Key Concepts of the Theory

The Adlerian theory is composed of seven key concepts,

• Unity of the individual
• Goal orientation
• Self-determination and uniqueness
• Social context
• The feeling of community
• Mental health 
• Treatment

Explanation enriched with real-life flavours 

1. Unity of the individual

Adler emphasized that individuals should be viewed as a whole, where thoughts, feelings, and actions are all interconnected. Understanding a person in isolation cannot be done. Every single thing should be considered to gain a complete picture. For example: Consider a person who seems extremely anxious at work. Instead of treating only anxiety, the Adlerian approach would consider his whole life, which might help to reveal where he felt undervalued or unsupported. Addressing factors like these can give a more holistic treatment.

2. Goal Orientation

Unlike Freud who asserted, that behaviours stem from our past experiences, Adler proposed that our behaviours are often futuristic and goal-oriented. Also, we are directed towards achieving these goals which might be either personal or societal, shaping our behaviours consciously or unconsciously. For example: Consider a student who works tirelessly to get top grades. While her primary aim may seem academic success, her deeper goal might be to create a better future for her family. This is how one’s behaviour is goal-driven and future-oriented.

3. Self-determination and Uniqueness

Adler believed that each individual is unique and can shape their personality and future through their choices and actions. He pointed out that individuals possess the power to control their lives. For example: Consider a person who breaks the family tradition of medicine to pursue his passion for art. His self-determination and uniqueness empowered him to make a choice. One choice and action can shape one’s future and define one’s identity. 

4. Social Context

Adler also argued that human behaviour can only be fully understood by considering an individual’s social life within the larger community they live in. For example: Take someone who thrives at team sports but feels lost in solo activities. We need to examine their social interactions and relationships, to provide effective support and understand the underlying dynamics behind it.

5. The feeling of community

Adler suggested that all individuals have an innate desire for a sense of belonging, and they will go to great lengths to fulfil that need. For example: Consider a person who volunteers at a local shelter. They not only help others but also enhance their mental well-being through a stronger sense of connection by contributing to their community.

6. Mental health

Individuals contribute to their community by cooperating with others easing their sense of belongingness. This ability of them to connect positively with others and do something for their community enhances their mental health.

7. Treatment

Treatment focuses on providing patients with professional insights to overcome feelings of inferiority by developing a healthy goal orientation and fostering a community feeling.

Application of Adlerian Theory in Psychotherapy

Adler’s approach paved the way for Algerian psychotherapy. According to his principles, individuals need to overcome feelings of inferiority to build positive connections within their community. This can be achieved with the insights provided by Adlerian psychotherapists. The therapist’s ultimate aim is to facilitate personal growth in their clients. Adlerian therapy is also called individual therapy because it focuses on a person’s unique personality and their ability to address their own challenges. It follows a four-stage process which includes engagement, assessment, insight and reorientation. 

1. Engagement: A good trusting therapeutic relationship is built between the therapist and the patient.
2. Assessment: The therapist assesses the patient’s background life including early memories and family dynamics. 
3. Reorientation: At last, the therapist provides new strategies that the patient can implement in their life to overcome difficulties. 
4. Insight: The therapist provides interpretations of the patient’s situation and insights on how their past experiences may have contributed to the recent issues.

Read More: Birth Order Theory: How Birth Order Affects Your Personality

Unlike these feelings of inferiority and anxiety, people also have an innate desire to belong to their society. Therefore, the therapy is tailor-made for each individual to help them healthily contribute to society and overcome the difficulties they face within themselves.

In summary, the Adlerian theory talks about seven key concepts: Unity of the individual, goal orientation, self-determination and uniqueness, social context, the feeling of community, mental health and treatment. Additionally, Adlerian therapy focuses on examining the individual’s childhood memories and belief systems in order to reorient them and address feelings of inferiority. By doing so, it promotes a sense of belonging and facilitates a successful life.

FAQs

1. What is Alderian therapy?

Adlerian therapy was developed by Alfred Adler. It focuses on understanding individuals within their social context. It highlights feelings of inferiority the desire for personal growth and a sense of belongingness.

2. What are the key concepts of the theory?

Adlerian theory talks about seven key concepts: Unity of the individual, goal orientation, self-determination and uniqueness, social context, the feeling of community, mental health and treatment.

3. What is the process of Adlerian psychotherapy?

Adlerian psychotherapy follows a four-stage process which includes engagement, assessment, insight and reorientation. 

4. Can this therapy be combined with other approaches?

Yes, Adlerian therapy is often integrated with various approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) or other mindful approaches. Treatment is tailor-made based on the individual’s needs.