Alderian Theory

                               

Meanings are not determined by situations. We determine ourselves by the meanings we ascribe to situations."

~ Alfred Adler.

 



                     

Adler believes:

·         human are goal directed by nature

·         that social conditions and how one sees themselves in this society can cause  

        disturbances in personality and measures need to be taken to avoid this

·         the therapist should attempt to view the world from their clients subjective

        frame of reference and that how life in reality is not as important as how

                                                         an  individual perceives it to be

•   Childhood experiences are not necessarily important - what is important is our perception of these experiences
•    It  is not unconscious instincts and our past that determine behaviour but our present perceptions. ("Adlerian therapy," 2008)  

"According to Adler, when we feel encouraged, we feel capable and appreciated and will generally act in a connected and cooperative way. When we are discouraged, we may act in unhealthy ways by competing, withdrawing, or giving up. It is in finding ways of expressing and accepting encouragement, respect, and social interest that help us feel fulfilled and optimistic.

Adlerian theory and practice have proven especially productive as applied to the growth and development of children. Adlerians believe that "a misbehaving child is a discouraged child" and that helping children to feel valued, significant, and competent is often the most effective strategy in coping with difficult child behaviors.

Adlerian Psychology focuses on people's efforts to compensate for their self-perceived inferiority to others. These feelings of inferiority may derive from one's position in the family constellation, particularly if early experiences of humiliation occurred; a specific physical condition or defect existed; or a general lack of social feeling for others was present.

Adlerians are concerned with understanding the unique and private beliefs and strategies (one's life style) that each individual creates in childhood. This cognitive schema and life style serve as the individual's reference for attitudes, behaviors, and one's private view of self, others, and the world. It is when we have looked at our early life experiences, examined the patterns of behavior that repeat themselves in our lives, and the methods by which we go about trying to gain significance and belonging that healing, growth, and change occur."  ("Alfred adler: Theory," 2012)

LYNCHPINE 7 CRITICAL IDEAS

1.  Unity of the Individual

2.  Goal Orientation

3.  Self-Determination and uniqueness

4.  Social Context

5.  The feeling of community

6.  Mental health

7.  Treatment  ("Alfred adler: Theory," 2012)

 

     (Interpretation of Adler’s dream interpretation)->

References

Alfred adler: Theory and application. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.alfredadler.edu/about/theory

Adlerian therapy. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.psychologycampus.com/psychology-counseling/adlerian-therapy.html

(n.d.). Retrieved from http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-540&sz=all&va=alfred adler