Abstract This paper examines similarities between Adlerian and Gestalt psychology theories, and their respective psychotherapies. It traces the history of Gestalt psychology and the development of Gestalt Theoretical Psychotherapy.
From the Paper "Gestalt psychology traces its origins to when Max Wertheimer studied phenomenal movement in the way the cinema operates. Moving pictures do not actually move but we see movement because we impose our perception of a series of pictures as movement and this is an example of Gestalt organization. We don't passively respond to the world but we interact with it. Our environment is not just reality but is also subject to our perceptions of it."
Abstract This paper describes the main components of Adlerian therapy. The paper describes the key concepts of Adlerian therapy, the goals of Adlerian therapy, its applications and its contributions. The paper also describes the role of the Adlerian therapists, techniques of Adlerian therapy, its strengths and its limitations.
Table of Contents
Adlerian Therapy - Individual Psychology
Adlerian Therapy Integrated with Existential Approach
Adlerian Therapy for Patients with Terminal Illness
Therapist's Role
Therapeutic Relationship
Adlerian Therapy Techniques
Strengths of Adlerian Therapy
Limitations of Adlerian Therapy
From the Paper "Humans are motivated by social interest, by striving toward goals, and by dealing with the tasks of life. Emphasis is on the individual positive capacities to live in society cooperatively. People have the capacity to interpret, influence, and create events. Each person at an early age creates a unique style of life, which tends to remain relatively constant throughout life."
Abstract This paper analyzes Adlerian based ideology and its effectiveness in encouraging lifestyle changes in discouraged adolescents by understanding their private logic. Specifically, this paper aims to identify the concepts related to the Adlerian theory and discuss the various approaches in which the Adlerian theory can be affective when handling discouraged adolescents.
Outline:
Introduction
The Adlerian Theory
Alfred Adler as he Introduced the Theory
The Concepts of Adlerian Theory
Exploring Discouraged Adolescents with Adlerian Theory
The Six Basic Problem Solving Skills
A Training Cycle
From the Paper "After knowing the main problem, the causes and effects of such problem is the best possible thing to know about. This will provide information how the adolescent responds to such problem, what causes him to be affected by that problem, and how has the problem affected his psychological, physical and physiological status. At most times assumptions or hypothesis on how the problem can be solved or how the solutions will turn out to be the way it is expected is important in this phase. This is because an educated guess will set the right path on the way the problem should be dealt with. Educated guess are of course the result of past experiences and own undertakings. Hence, this is a strong reference point for the problem and a strong background regarding the possible solutions. "
Abstract This paper illustrates the major premises behind two forms of psychotherapy, Freud's psychoanalysis and Adlerian therapy. The paper describes both approaches, detailing their development, their use and their potential pitfalls. The writer states that Adlerian therapy is a more optimistic therapeutic approach because of its focus on attainable goals and the positive benefits it offers both patient and therapist.
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Adlerian Therapy
From the Paper "Adlerian Therapy takes a positive view of human nature and is both humanistic and goal-oriented. It assumes a person is in control of their own fate and not a victim to it. Starting at an early age, a unique style of life is created by the person and that life-style stays relatively constant throughout the remainder of life. Working toward success, connectedness with others, and contributions to society are considered hallmarks of mental health, as well as being motivated by goals, dealing with the tasks faced in life, and social interest. Birth order is considered important in understanding a person's current personality, yet the therapy is future-minded, rather than retrospective. (Psyweb Pro, 2006) "
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses Adlerian therapy, one of several psychotherapeutic models that were developed and applied in the early 1900s. According to the paper, the Adlerian approach serves as a model for growth, placing its emphasis on a positive view of human nature and finding that the human being is in control of his or her own fate instead of being a pawn of that fate. The paper reports that the Adlerian therapy approach was developed by physician, Alfred Adler.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Theory
Application of the Theory
The Therapy Situation
From the Paper "Watson makes the process appear separate from the adult world so that the child must act out these issues on his or her own, but Lieberman (1994) considers the value of play in child-parent psychotherapy situations as a way of enhancing the quality of the emotional relationship between a young child and his or her parents. Such approaches can give importance to the factors that contribute to the clinical condition of the child and can also include the unresolved psychological conflicts of the parents as these may be reenacted in the relationship with the child. Lieberman describes parent-child psychotherapy as a relationship-based treatment approach applicable to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers experiencing mental health problems or whose relationship with the parent has been negatively affected because of parental factors, including mental illness, characteristics of the child that interfere with the formation of a secure attachment, or discordant temperamental styles between parent and child."
Abstract Discusses the Adlerian approach to personality, psychology, and therapy. More specifically, the paper discusses Alfred Adler's concept of personality as an indivisible whole, his holistic view of the totality of the individual as well as his belief that individuals had a need for belonging and affiliation. The paper also examines the differences between Adler and Freud.
From the Paper "Alfred Adler was an early follower of Sigmund Freud. However Adler disagreed with many of Freud's primary contentions, specifically the negativity of Freud's theories, his belief that most if not all of the adult personality is shaped by early childhood experiences and his failure to incorporate social and cultural influences. Adlerian theory, according to Osborn, presents a view of the individual as a whole entity, a composite being and not a collection of parts..."
Abstract This paper discusses and compares two of the most common counseling therapies available to psychologists and counselors - Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis and Adlerian therapy. The paper describes the history and background of each of the therapies and discusses how they apply to counseling sessions. The paper also looks at the types of patients that will benefit most from each form of therapy.
From the Paper "Adler's view of counseling was for the therapist to discover the error in the patient's lifestyle and, through it, lead him to greater maturity (UXL Newsmakers 2005). For this purpose, he devised diagnostic approaches. Among these were the theory of dreams, the meaning of early childhood recollections, and the role of birth order in the family. The counselor or therapist gains an understanding and experience of the patient, not characterized by depth, but from the context of the larger whole of his collective transactions. In Adler's view, this was how to effect a change in the person's self-view and his view of the world. He would then be reorganized. In addition, the patient could be drawn to appreciate his own power of self-determination and to develop the courage to use it. In order to motivate or incline the person or patient towards or against a goal, the counselor or therapist expresses disinterest or unconcern and thus develops feelings of trust and true fellowship. This openness to each other would make up where one's mother could have failed (UXL Newsmakers)."
Abstract This paper explains that the affective approach to psychotherapy focuses on what goes on inside the individual and how his experience affects his behavior and perspectives of life. The paper then explains that the Adlerian approach to psychotherapy takes into account behavior as governed by the client's lifestyle and manner of dealing with personal problems. The paper contrasts these two approaches by applying them to a specific case. The author expresses a preference for the affective approach.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
The Client and the Client's Problems
Goals
The Process of Therapy
Overall Comment
Preferred Approach
Conclusion
From the Paper "The treatment of goals in each of these approaches affects its process of therapy as well as perspectives on client treatment. Both approaches take into account of the fact that the presentation of goals is critical for counseling clients. However, the perspectives on goals differ in each case. For example, in Adlerian approach, the client's well being is at the center of the treatment yet at the same time the therapist develops the fictional goal of well-being to bring the client into focus to alter his/her attitudes, thinking and behavior towards life. On the other hand, the affective approach treats goals as responsibilities which must be given or unburdened from the client to resolve his/her problems."
Abstract The thesis is divided into eight sections that appear as follows. The first section investigates key concepts from Adlerian psychology that are pertinent to the analysis of Clinton's life. The second section explores major events from Clinton's early, formative years-events that an Adlerian analysis would indicate are critical for understanding how the former president developed his unique approach to life. The investigation also provides an exploration of Clinton's possible mistaken beliefs and their formation in his early childhood. In addition, the research examines Clinton's painful earliest recollections and how his interpretation of organ inferiority pushed him to over compensate in his life. Adlerian tools of birth order are used to examine how Clinton's position as an only child/firstborn within his family affected his unique approach to life. In addition, the research provides an exploration of how the painful experiences of childhood neglect, like those that are reflected in Clinton's experiences with his stepfather Roger Clinton, and his mothers leaving him at a young age to study nursing, might contribute to the development of what Adler characterized as neurotic tendencies. The writer also applies Adlerian insights to explain the role of Family Hero in Clinton's life and its later impact on his adult life and presidency. The seventh and eighth sections explore how such a brilliant leader and popular president could give his enemies the ammunition they wanted by continuous sexual infidelities. Finally, the thesis explores the accomplishments of Bill Clinton and the Adlerian principles ultimately helped him succeed.
Introduction
Key Concepts from Adlerian Psychology
Clinton's Early, Formative Years
Exploration of Clinton's Possible Mistaken Beliefs and Their Formation in His Early Childhood
Examination of Clinton's Painful Earliest Recollections and How His Interpretation of Organ Inferiority Pushed Him to Over Compensate in His Life
Organ Inferiority
Birth Order
Experiences of Neglect
Family Hero
How Such a Brilliant Leader and Popular President Could Give His Enemies the Ammunition They Wanted by Continuous Sexual Infidelities
Summary
Accomplishments
References
From the Paper "The examination of American Presidents has fascinated Americans for many years. In recent years, the life of William Jefferson Clinton has been a particular point of interest. The purpose of this thesis is to describe, analyze, and discuss the private and public lives of Bill Clinton in congruence with the psychology of Alfred Adler. Assorted characteristics of Clinton's unique approach to life will be discussed and analyzed, and the study will recognize some political processes and outcomes. The discussion will not take a political stance on Bill Clinton; instead, it aims to recognize that his style of leadership was a result of his lifestyle. In order to describe and analyze Clinton impartially through the lens of Adlerian psychology, the thesis will identify all facets of Bill Clinton's character. For this reason, the thesis will evaluate the difficult circumstances in which he was born, and both the good and negative aspects of his early family life. Additionally, the thesis will reveal that although the former president had major struggles to overcome he managed to more often than not embody the crucial Adlerian qualities of equality, balance of power, gender equality, cooperation and social interest."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that Alfred Adler argued, intriguingly, that all motivation is a product of a singular drive to achieve individual perfection or a personal ideal. The writer notes that this approach to psychological motivation and development has its critics, largely because few believe that achieving such an ideal is even remotely possible. Further, the writer points out that worse, many people who struggle towards perfection are left frustrated and depressed when they find they cannot achieve their goal, despite their best efforts. On a personal note it is related that the writer has been motivated to transcend the limitations of the past and make a better, more fulfilling life, in the truest tradition of Alfred Adler.
Journal Entry: Adlerian Theory and Its Personal Application
Journal Entry: An Adlerian Perspective
From the Paper "Adler also differed from other psychologists of the day - and today -because of where he placed his focus and emphasis in studying individual motivation. Other theorists see motivation as the product of one's past. In other words, if an individual experiences Event A during childhood, then we should expect that that individual would perform Behavior B as an adult. This is one approach to the question of a motivation's origins. Adler, however, advocated teleology, which states that motivation is the act of moving towards the future, not being mechanically driven by the events of the past. Teleology is future-oriented and requires an individual to concede that while life may be hard or uncertain, one always has the ability to make choices that will change the nature of that life. Adler, then, saw motivation as a function of an individual's desire to achieve a particular goal, not simply as the product of past events beyond the individual's control. This differing perspective places a greater emphasis on the free agency of the individual to take control of his or her life and change it for the better."
Abstract The paper discusses Alfred Adler's theory of personality which is based on the need to strive for power and superiority and addresses lifestyles. The paper presents a case study and shows the relevance and application of Adler's theories. The paper describes the antisocial behavior and suppressed aggression in the case and discusses Adlerian treatment, which seeks to return the client to normative behavior in the community. The paper relates that Adlerian behavioral and marriage therapy would be recommended for this client.
Outline:
Alfred Adler's Theory: A Summary
Presenting Problem
Case Formulation
Treatment Recommendations
From the Paper "Alfred Adler was a neo-Freudian. He was also a member of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society, along with Freud and others. Like Freud, Adler had a theory of personality. Unlike Freud, however, who based his theory on sexual needs and development, Adler based his theory of "individual psychology" on the need to strive for power and superiority. Adler's theory focused largely on the social interest and social interactions."
Abstract An overview of this psychotherapy method based on the teachings of Alfred Adler. Adler's mantra of understand, interpret and direct explains his direct approach to therapeutic healing. This paper shows how Adler attempted to elaborate and explore the intricacies of individual psychology. Therapeutic work with clients involves short-term and intensive work to increase social interest, to encourage a greater sense of responsibility for behavior, and to support behavioral change.
From the Paper "Adlerian Psychotherapy employs a holistic approach to understanding the individual. Adler provides us with an all-encompassing view of the human being, which is a primarily conscious, rather than unconscious creature. Adlerians believe that the most important life problems are social and therefore, the individual must be considered within the social context (Daniels, 1998). Adlerian theory proposes that a human's principle motive in life is to strive for perfection and that his or her opinion of self, and the world, influences all of the individual's psychological processes. "Adlerian counseling seeks to correct mistakes in perception and logic that people make in their effort to fit into social relationships and to overcome feelings of inferiority" (Brown & Srebalus 1998). Once the individual has adopted a "mistaken goal", he or she will formulate other misconceptions to support the "faulty logic" (Brown & Srebalus 1998). Adlerian theory studies the whole person and how that person experiences life."
Abstract This paper attempts to develop a model or framework for a therapeutic approach to be used to assist in the treatment of clients in particular, those who struggle with addiction. People can be addicted to anything from alcohol, drugs or other substances to gambling, food and dysfunctional relationships. The model integrates three types of therapies: Feminist Therapy, Adlerian Therapy and Person centered and Behavioral Therapy. It examines how the choices to use these therapies was based in the fact that many addiction issues have to do with problems that are best served by behavior modifications, as well as holistic talk therapy. It discusses the implementation of the model into the therapy itself through individual sessions and the use of surveys, questionnaires and family to understand the issues.
From the Paper "While addiction is a problem of the person who is addicted it affects the entire family. Children, parents and spouses of the addict often have to remember the things the addict said and did while the addict has the benefit of substance amnesia. The family often becomes so used to the enabling behavior they have followed that there are many resentment issues that surface during the addict's recovery process(Reilly, 1979). I know from my past experience that it is important to treat the entire family when it comes to substance abuse. There are also many issues at play including the enabling behaviors and the co-dependant roles that the family members have been playing, sometimes for many years as part of the addict family."
Abstract This paper discusses how it is easier to analyze a fictitious character than a real human character. This is the case with the character of Grace from the television show "Grace Under Pressure". This paper provides an analysis of the character using first the Adlerian therapy model, then analyzing her through a behavior model and then finally suggesting a treatment plan for a person with the profile of Grace.
From the Paper "Grace's character ? to begin with a thumbnail of her ? is presented in the series as a no-nonsense, take-no-guff survivor of a bad marriage that was often abusive (at least in psychological terms). After eight years of putting up with this bad marriage, Grace decided that low pay and long hours was a better choice than staying married, and the show follows her as she lives with the consequences of this choice as she works to raise her three children on her own with few skills or advantages even as she works to overcome her own problems with alcohol."
Tags: adler, therapy, model, adlerian, treatment, plan
Abstract This paper describes the work and views of Alfred Adler, an Austrian contemporary of Sigmund Freud and one of the original psychoanalytic theorists. While the author concentrates on describing Adler's work he also brings in comparisons to Freud's theories.
Outline:
Introduction
Adlerian Theory
From the Paper "Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was an Austrian contemporary of Sigmund Freud and one of the original psychoanalytic theorists. He founded the school of individual psychology and conceived of human psychological development as largely a function of reaction to personal inadequacies in relation to the external world rather than as a function of internal conflict in the manner that classical Freudian theorists.
"In this respect, Adler departed from certain aspects of Freudian theory (Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005). Together with Freud and Carl Jung, Adler is generally considered to have founded the modern psychoanalytic focus on the significance of repression and depth psychology that forms the basis of 20th Century Freudian analysis."
