Adlerian Therapy: Alfred Adler's Therapeutic Process And Practices

Within the field of helping professions, there are many theoretical frameworks purported by varying renowned social scientists and researchers which are incorporated in the therapeutic process and services offered to individuals experiencing psychological distress. One such framework adopted is that of Alfred Adler with his Adlerian therapy. Adler’s theory and practices places great emphasis on the unity of personality purporting that it is the only way in which individuals can be understood as unified and complete beings. Adlerians tend to view the world through individuals own subjective perception of their reality. Adlerian therapy is primarily concerned with understanding the unique and private beliefs individuals create before the age

The therapeutic process begins with the therapist conducting investigations on the lifestyle of clients in an attempt to identify their misperceived and misdirected goals. The central aim of therapy serves to “develop the client’s sense of belonging and to assist in the adoption of behaviors and processes characterized by community feeling and social interest” (Corey, 2013, p. 101). In looking at phase 1, the focus of Adlerian therapists is on establishing one on one contact with their clients. This relationship is formed through the processes of “listening; responding; demonstrating respect for clients’ capacity to understand purpose and seek change; and exhibiting faith, hope and caring” (Corey, 2013, p. 105). During this phase also, close attention is given to clients subjective experiences by therapists. Likewise, phase 2 constitutes the conducting of both a subjective and objective interview where subjective interviews entail therapists assisting clients in relating their full life story. Objective interviews on the other hand, refers to the process by which therapists seek to obtain information from clients on how their problems were brought on, precipitating events, medical and social history,

Encouragement is thought to play an integral role within all phases of the therapeutic process and is looked at as building courage thus allowing clients to assume responsibility for their lives whilst establishing self value. Central to this phase also, is the interpretations of assessment provided by therapists to assist clients in obtaining awareness, insights and purpose in relation to their private logic and lifestyle in general. Phase 4 which is the final phase looks at reorientation and reeducation and is considered the action oriented phase. Reorientation encompasses the shifting of rules governing interaction, progression and motivation (Corey, 2013). This is further viewed as putting practice into action beyond the therapeutic sessions where clients are thought to experience a sense of belonging, self-worth and acquire interest in others and their welfare among other useful life