Adler Theory

The Dynamics of Self & Family

Who is Alfred Adler?

Split from Freud

Individual Psychology
Family Therapy

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Rudolf Dreikurs

Adler Mentee
Brought Adlerian psychology to the U.S.
Applied to education, parenting and family counseling.
Credited with idea of child guidance centers.
Child behavior philosophy.
Encouragement not praise.

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 Adlerian Theory
Past/ Present
One begins to form an
approach to life in early
childhood.
Focus on ones past as they
perceive it in the present.
Ones perceptions of the past
influence present behavior.
Connectedness/Meaning
Motivated by the need to relate
and connect with others.
Search for and create meaning
in ones life.
Everyone ultimately strives for
success.
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Personality Influencers
Family

Inferiority/Superiority

Freedom/ Will

Social Interest

Sense of Community

A need to be united with others

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Lifestyles
Core beliefs and assumptions that guide a
persons movements through life.
 Lifestyle

Life Tasks

Attitudes

Roots

Retrieved from http://www.adlerian.us/tree.htm Copyright 1997, Henry T. Stein, Ph.D.

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 ATTITUDES ABOUT SELF
Self-concept Picture of the World
Self-ideal Ethical convictions

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Life Tasks
Building friendships
Establishing intimacy
Contributing to society
Roots
Family constellation is the position of the
child within the family.
Family Constellation

Activity
The Family Unit & Birth Order
The personality of a child develops from the
dynamics of the family.

More influenced by relationships with siblings.

Adlers beliefs in birth order sometimes

misunderstood; A persons interpretation of their
birth circumstances is more important than order.

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Personality Characteristics and Birth Order

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zw8_SQLZ-A

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Adler Theory Strengths with Diverse Cultures

Notion of social interest appeals to women; places

value on their role in a wider social context.

Person of cultures with strong family values will

benefit from Adlerian practice.

Emphasis on connectedness resonates with cultures

that focus on religion, spirituality.

Social interest therapies work well with cultures that

have experienced historical racial trauma.

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Adler Theory Strengths

Adler & Dreikurs recognized the importance of

societal values interrelationship with an individuals
values.

Dreikurs applied theory and approach to both

individual and group functioning. Considered still to
be ahead of contemporary approaches.

Distinction between inferiority that is embedded in

ones existence vs. a temporary reaction.

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Adler Theory Limitations

Clients need to be comfortable with change.

Clients need to take ownership for change.

Some critics say there is too much focus on inner motivation.

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Using Adler Theory in Student Affairs

Useful for Career Services practitioners.

Due to focus on Life themes that create meaning.
Life assessment precipitate career direction and choices.

May be helpful to campus counselors assisting students who have

experienced race-based or sexual trauma.
Model called Transcultural Adlerian Conceptualization (TACT)
Assists counselors in designing culturally appropriate
therapeutic plans.

Appropriate for Student Success, Coaching, Academic Advising,

International Student Support.

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Therapeutic Techniques
Assessments
Family Constellation
Lifestyle

Early Recollections

Dream Analysis

Encourage self-understanding

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Questions?

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Conclusion

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