Individually based theory and therapy models

Adlerian Therapy

Social Interest

■ Adler’s most significant and distinctive concept.
■ Refers to an individual’s attitude toward and awareness of being part of the human community.
■ Mental health is measured by the degree to which we successfully share with others and are concerned with their welfare.
■ Happiness and success are largely related to social connectedness.


Role of Birth Order Psychological Positions

■ Motivates later behavior.
■ First born/ Oldest        o Favored pseudo-parents, high achievers
        o Receives more attention, spoiled
■ Second born        o Rivalry and competition
        o Behaves a in a race, often opposite first child
■ Middle Child        o Often feels squeezed out
■ Last born        o More pampered, “baby,” creative, rebellious, revolutionary, avant-garde
■ Only Child        o Does not learn to share or cooperate with other children
        o Learns to deal with adults


Encouragement

■ Encouragement is the most powerful method available for changing a person’s beliefs
■ Helps build self-confidence and stimulates courage
■ Discouragement is the basic condition that prevents people from functioning
■ Clients are encouraged to recognize that they have he power to choose and act differently


5 Basic Tasks

■ Acceptance
■ Achieving Intimacy
■ Work
■ Spiritual Dimension
■ Community/Friendship