Psychology: Exploring Adlerian Theory

I like to think my own therapeutic style can be interchangeable in a way that I can accommodate any client depending on their unique situations and goals. Exploring Adlerian theory allowed me to question how I could implement this approach if I knew it would be helpful to my client. Though it is not my preferred theoretical approach to therapy, it does have concepts that were not taken into account by previous theorists. Adlerian theory differs from many other approaches because it is greatly known for its emphasis on the holistic concept in relation to social interest. In this theory, an individual is viewed as psychologically stable and “normal” if they are motivated to become socially relatable. Those who are not motivated are believed

However, attempting to view the world from a client’s eyes can be very difficult. Personally, I had had experiences in cases where I would interpret something differently than the client interprets it as and I am interested to see how that would unfold within therapy. Sometimes I find it hard to carouse in the subjective framework of a patient without having my own views. This might be one of my weaknesses that I would like to work on through supervision. I appreciate the idea of the therapeutic relationship within this theory, it is shown to be more collaborative than many other approaches that instead hold the therapist as authoritative. Therapists and clients are able to give each other feedback which allows for honesty of how useful or unhelpful techniques were. It mirrors a partnership where the client is being encouraged to reach for their goals meanwhile still being informed of any faulty wishes that arise. I feel unsure of using this theory in my own personal therapeutic style because of itss overemphasis on the social concept. I believe that not everyone has the need to feel as though they are contributing to a community in order to feel healthy,

Many diverse groups such as collectivists are not used to the idea of therapy and how one can disconnect from their community or families. Since this theory holds family constellation and birth order as some of its primary factors, it can be beneficial for individuals who want their development in therapy to include their relationships and society. For example, Pakistani culture is not very open to therapy but Adlerian theory would probably be one of the most acceptable approaches because it will always emphasize the role of community and how an individual can achieve the feeling of contribution. It allows clients to practice the notion of freedom within their unique social constraints. It also emphasizes health as opposed to pathology. A lot of diverse groups will have pathology but will feel symptoms physically. This theory would allow them to express their physical symptoms freely because it is not so focused on pathology. It can easily adapt to different cultural values as long as the goals entail happiness through social