Adlerian Therapy: Humanistic, Goal Oriented, Psychoeducational Model

Adlerian therapy is a humanistic, goal oriented, psychoeducational model which focuses on an individual’s success, connectedness with others, and contributions to society. The good life according to Adler would be achieved when the individual felt significant and like he or she belonged. Only then would the individual reach optimal human development. Adlerian theory portends it is human nature to act in a connected and cooperative way when one feels encouraged, which leads to feelings of being capable and appreciated. However, when an individual feels discouraged, he is more likely to behave in ways that are unhealthy, such as competing, withdrawing, or giving up. Adlerian theory holds seven critical ideas. The first idea is the unity of the individual. This means the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors of an individual can be understood in the framework of that individual’s style or pattern of dealing with life. There is no internal conflict – all of these aspects of personality point in the same direction. Next is the concept of goal orientation. The forward movement of life creates the desire to move toward a goal of significance, superiority,
Adler would say we are born feeling inferior and insecure. Christianity says we are born with a nature prone to sin and this makes us inferior to God’s standard and insecure as to our future. In both, an individual must conquer this insecurity in order to live the good life. Adler would encourage and challenge his clients when their thoughts, feelings, or actions about the world were mistaken. Christianity encourages believers to discover their identity in Christ as children of God, created by God and called by Him to a higher purpose. The net result in both is a life in which the individual is fulfilled through life lived in service to others over self. Both also believe all people are able to be “redeemed” to the good