Adlerian Therapy As With Other Term Paper

That is to say that the video does not really address the crux of the problem as much as it enunciates the communication skills of the therapist.

Adlerian therapy is a more comprehensive and thorough approach, which involves understanding the self-better and is focused on change not just at the individual level but on family level and consequently at a much broader social context. It follows an equalitarian approach wherein the client does not feel any inferiority in the presence of the therapist and mutual respect, understanding and establishing good rapport are fundamental to the approach. Goals are identified and client is made to understand his behavioral tendencies, maladaptive behaviors and guided towards reorientation. Adlerian therapy is thus a holistic one, which integrates a persons mind, body and the spirit in the therapeutic process when compared to other traditional models. In short, Adlerian theory emphasizes on living life in a wholesome manner where serving others, expression of love, care and spirituality are all underlined as components of healthy living. Some psychologists however are more oriented towards Freudian theory, which is more biological where sexual drive, gender, and power are considered to be chief motivating factors. [Richard S. Sharf]

Writing about Adlerian model gave me better insight into the paradigm of human psychology. The very fact that Adler was revolutionary in terms of his ideas and concepts at a time when Freud was widely recognized as the father of psychoanalysis states much of his boldness and willingness to express himself. His treatment of the inferiority complexes that humans have is in particular, a highly practical and open approach where he states that it is normal for people to feel inferior under certain circumstances and that it serves to provide the motivation to improve and succeed in their goals. [Bob Bertolino] This idea of human beings striving to reach a positive state from a perceived negative state is an idea that is quite understandable. It falls in with the fundamental human craving or the insatiable quest for perfection or betterment or peace, happiness in whichever terms we put it. In its stress that the well being of the individual revolves around the well being of the society (consequently problems of individual are problems of society) and that love, care and service to others are the pillars for individual and collective societal happiness gave me a better appreciation of the problems of our society. The Adlerian approach has in essence expanded my understanding of human emotions and problems and has imbibed in me a more egalitarian outlook to human problems. The idea of striving towards a collective change or a community level change appeals to me as the rightful approach.

Bibliography

Richard S. Sharf, 'Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases," 4th edition, 2008, pg. 112-126

Video

Bob Bertolino, Ph.D, "Adlerian Therapy: Counseling and Personality Theory," Maryville University.