The field of
psychology is in a state of constant evolution thanks to continual
research. New data filters into new understandings of the human mind, which in
turn inform on-the-ground therapy practices. While current innovations and
technology do feed into the world of psychological research, this field has a
deeper, older foundation, built by the classic forbears (think Sigmund Freud).
One such key figure, Alfred Adler, seems to be making a comeback in current
psychological developments, with the modern wave of holistic therapy.
اضافة اعلان
A sense of
belonging
Adler, a colleague of the “father of psychoanalysis” Freud, has been
greatly underappreciated and often overlooked throughout history. However, his
contributions to psychology have merited him a place alongside his partner in
the annals of the field’s greatest minds.
Like Freud,
Adler was an Austrian psychologist who helped the former develop
psychoanalysis. He was also a founding member of the Vienna Psychoanalytic
Society. Adler and Freud split after certain differences emerged, one the
greatest being their opinions on the role of personality.
Whereas Freud
believed that the human mind was split between the conscious mind and the
unconscious mind, Adler believed that both worked in harmony, and he viewed the
individual as a whole. Additionally, Adler was the first to describe
inferiority and superiority complexes.
The many
theories Adler developed culminated into Adlerian theory, a holistic approach
to psychology. Adlerian theory focuses on the importance of overcoming feelings
of inferiority and gaining a sense of belonging in order to achieve success and
happiness.
Setting healthy
goals
Why do we do what we do?
This is a central question, and its answer can help us understand ourselves and
our behavior more clearly. Adlerian theory has an explanation that is still
used today by psychologists.
Adlerian theory sees human behavior as
goal-oriented. This means that our actions and behaviors are the result of our
need to satisfy or achieve specific desires or goals. There are many different
ways for individuals to achieve their goals, leading to different types of
behavior.
Adler heavily
emphasized that humans crave social interest, which is a sense of belonging to,
and participating in the common good. Furthermore, he theorized that empathy
and compassion can be connected to social interest. Thus, one of the key
techniques used in Adlerian therapy is empathy.
In terms of
therapeutic application, therapists should express empathy in order to help and
encourage patients to recognize their strengths and expand their confidence.
This also helps the patient overcome feelings of inferiority.
Why do we do what we do? This is a central question, and its answer can help us understand ourselves and our behavior more clearly.
Another Adlerian
technique is helping patients set reasonable expectations and goals. Since
Adler’s theory revolves around goal-oriented behavior, it is important to make
sure that the goals are healthy, productive, and achievable. They should help
contribute to an overall feeling happiness and fulfillment.
The next
technique goes hand-in-hand with goal-setting: The patients should examine the
purpose of their behaviors in order to assess whether or not they are healthy
and help them achieve their goals.
Finally, it is
important to also reflect on past behaviors to help provide insight into past
patterns of behavior. This can often lead to a revelation of behaviors that are
contributing to any current issues, allowing them to then be corrected.
The four-stage process
Adler compiled these therapeutic techniques into four distinct
treatment stages, known as Adlerian therapy. The therapist’s overall goal is to
help patients develop a better understanding of their own goals, enabling them
to resolve any feelings of inferiority towards accomplishing their goals in
order to achieve a more fulfilling life.
In the first stage, engagement, the therapist
develops a therapeutic alliance or connection with the patient. Establishing an
alliance in the form of a cooperative relationship opens the door for
communication and sharing. This stage is integral to starting any type of
therapy treatment: the
American Psychological Association found that
therapeutic alliance is a more important element to treatment than selecting
“the right” type of therapy.
The next stage
is assessment, where the therapist learns more about the individual. Since
Adlerian therapy takes a holistic approach, almost all subjects in the
individual’s life are discussed. This can include memories, family dynamics,
perspectives, and all the thoughts and feelings associated with these aspects
of life. In this stage, the therapist is able to directly and indirectly
ascertain the individual’s goals in life. During the assessment phase, it may
come to light that certain elements impact the individual more than others.
At this point,
the next stage, known as insight, begins. The therapist will start asking more
questions relating to the elements identified in the previous stage. This
allows the therapist to discover more information and context about the
element, and helps the patient break down their own behaviors to gain more
insight into their motivations. The therapist might offer their own
interpretations; however, the emphasis is on the individual gaining insight and
understanding into their own beliefs and behaviors.
In the last
stage, known as reorientation, the therapist plays a more important role. After
identifying and gaining insight into problematic behaviors, the therapist can
focus on helping the patient correct them. The end goal is to develop new
healthy habits, behaviors, and skills that lead to growth and resiliency. One
way that this is done is by reframing old experiences in a process known as
cognitive reframing.
A tangible impact
Adlerian therapy has been studied on patients with a variety of
mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance
abuse, and many have found it to be useful. The therapy’s holistic approach
helps provide patients with a greater sense of awareness about different
aspects of themselves. Even the average person who experiences low self-esteem,
loneliness, and negative thinking can reap great benefits from Adlerian
therapy.
Additionally,
Adlerian theory has a heavy emphasis on social interactions and the role
individuals play in the world. Therefore, this theory can provide an excellent
means of improving social wellbeing.
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