Reflections Upon Adlerian Therapy

According to the psychologist Alfred Adler, contrary to the assumption that human beings are limited based upon their heredity or environment, it is the constrained nature of the individuals perspective which is often the source of most psychological problems. The average individual sees all problems from a perspective which is his own creation (Adler, 1935, p.185). The nature of modern existence forces human beings to confront their limitations with greater awareness of the perceptions of others, which can create an overwhelming sense of inferiority when challenges arise.

Adler believed that there are three fundamental struggles all people must grapple with: how to behave towards others, how to find meaningful work, and how to find love (Adler, 1935). Everyone wants to succeed in their quest to find success in these three areas, and all three quests are interrelated. Many people try to make up for failures in one area with success in another. However, the degree to which an individual sees him or herself as competent and successful in these three arenas will vary greatly, based upon individual, subjective perceptions rather than upon objective criteria.

Adler also classified different personalities into types: the dominant type, which gets through life by bullying others, the type who attempts to lean upon others for support and constant reassurance, and the third type who is avoidant of others (Adler, 1935). The individuals type or orientation something...

Until the child is convinced differently (such as through the process of therapy), this interpersonal style will likely remain with the child throughout the childs life into adulthood.

These three common types are ill-equipped to engage in social life. They lack the ability (in different ways) to contribute to the world, and to collaborate with others meaningfully. Their failures to do so inevitably lead to neurosis and psychosis. The fourth, healthy type can enjoy activities to help others, as well...

…impossible to live without being influenced by others. The struggle is to make sure someone influenced by others in a positive way, and to influence others in a similarly empowering and supportive fashion, through collaboration and give and take.

This is another reason why Adlers ideas are so useful in modern life. The Internet has enabled people to be increasingly isolated and locked in their own, virtual, self- created worlds on their phones. Real social engagement is necessary for happiness. Additionally, Adler would also frown upon the modern self-help and self-esteem movements that only focus on fostering positive thoughts about the self. Real self-esteem comes through actions, whether this involves listening to people or volunteering. On the other hand, being engaged with people does not mean being a doormat, or excessively dependent upon others. In a healthy cooperative relationship, both persons involved have a sense of give-and-take, and feel gratified because they are both making a contribution to the relationship, to…