Freud Individual Psychology

Sigmund Freud can be seen as a leader when it comes to the advancement in this field and is known for being called the father of psychology. From the influence of other psychological theorists, Freud began to develop his own theories and soon came the emergence of psychoanalysis. Individuals such as Alfred Alder and Carl Jung began working with Freud and psychoanalysis. As time went by, Alder and Jung eventually split from Freud, and created their own theoretical orientations – individual psychology (Alder) and analytical psychology (Jung). Though some basic principles within each orientation have stemmed from similar ideas, it is important to note that the three theories are very much three different identities, all created to help individuals

Like psychoanalysis, in order to fully understand the theory, one must know the theoretical concepts that define it. The concepts in individual psychology “emphasize the unity and uniqueness of each individual” (Seligman, p. 64, 2014). Unlike Freud, Alder believed that people are not victims of biology or circumstance and to better understand people, one must look at them as whole and not split them into separate parts. He also thought that all behavior has a purpose and it is important for individuals to learn how to channel their behavior in ways that are meaningful and promote growth. Alder and his individual psychology theory also focus on family constellation and birth order, a person’s private logic, and their social

He also developed the five psychological positions in the family and characteristics to describe each: the oldest child, second child, middle child, youngest child, and only child. However, counselors should be aware never to stereotype their clients according to birth order. Going along with where individuals are “placed”, Alder’s individual psychology looks at a person’s private logic or their beliefs about themselves and their place in the world (Seligman, 2014). Private logic provides a life pattern that begins in childhood. Some private logic can be faulty and with the use of goals, clients can recognize their faulty logic and work on creating healthy and rewarding goals and private logic. Lastly, Alder was ahead of his time and took a more social approach in his thinking. He believed people’s social interests are best reflected in their accomplishments within their occupation, love, and social