Adlerian Approach

This paper will look at three theoretical approaches to counselling, namely the Adlerian approach, Albert Ellis’ Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), and Reality therapy. I will first describe similarities and then discuss differences between the approaches.
*add concluding paragraphs to summarise similarities and differences
Underlying Assumptions All three theories are rooted in early life experiences. The Adlerian approach believes that an individual’s personality and unique style of life is created at an early age, especially within the context of the family. In REBT, individuals develop irrational beliefs by learning them from significant others in their childhood. Although Reality therapy does not focus on the past, it also recognises

Hence, it is not surprising that they focus on either thoughts or behaviours as reasons for emotional disturbances. Adlerian therapy and REBT attributes emotional problems mainly to unconscious schemas. They look to correct mistaken logic and faulty thinking to evoke behavioural and emotional changes. While Reality therapists are also concerned about the client’s thinking, it differs from the others as, the first point of change is usually behaviour. Reality therapists do not focus on mistaken thoughts but rather, ineffective actions that clients engage in in attempts to achieve goals and needs they have in mind, in their Quality World. Therefore they believe that making plans and taking action for change induces changes in

Adlerians emphasise relationships within the family, with particular interest in birth order and sibling relationships. The family probably has a large impact on an individual because it is the earliest social system he gets familiar with. These relationships and the perception of an individual’s position in the family, influences his interactions with the world. Clients are then encouraged to change the resultant flawed cognitive perspectives. The concept most characteristic of REBT, is the A-B-C framework. The emotional and behavioural consequences (C) of an activating event (A) is mediated by the beliefs (B) that the client has of the event. Hence, disputing (D) these irrational beliefs would cause an effect (E) leading to new feelings (F) and behaviours. Choice theory and “total behaviour” is at the heart of Reality therapy. “Total behaviour” is made up of an individual’s acting, thinking, feeling and physiology. The clients make choices about the way they express total behaviour, although the choices may sometimes be ineffective in fulfilling their needs. Steps are taken to recognise that choice and bring about change through their