ADLERIAN THEORIES

Adlerian Theories

Adlerian Theories

Introduction

One of the main concepts associated with the Adlerian theory is that the individual's approach to life is formed in the first 6 years. Adler contends that, in these early years, because of a necessary dependence on others to survive, feelings of inferiority begin in the individual. However, it is these feelings of inferiority that motivate the individual to succeed and to overcome inabilities and inadequacies (Corey, 2005).

As such, Adler (1924) states, “…The child arrives at the positing of a goal, an imagined goal of superiority, whereby his poverty is transformed into wealth, his subordination into domination, his suffering into happiness and pleasure…” (p. 14). Therefore, behaviour is purposeful, goal- orientated and conscious. This is where Adler disagreed with Freud who argued that people are motivated by sexual urges and therapy should focus on unconsciousness.

Discussion

Adlerian theory explains that the individual sets up a “style of life” or “life style” which is related to the individual's perceptions and life goal. Adler argued that personality becomes unified through the development of life goals and that social interest and community feeling motivate individuals. This arose from the need for love and affection, later defined by Dreikurs as the need to belong. (Grey, 1998)Holism is one of the basic concepts of Adlerian counselling.

That is, individuals live in the context of their hereditary circumstance and environment, and must be understood according to this (Bitter, 2007). They are made up of a patchwork of perceptions, feelings, values and experiences. Adler talked about the “unity of personality” and how people can only be understood through an understanding of the social context in which they exist (Corey, 2005). As Bitter (2007) says, “Taken together, these perspectives lead to thick holistic descriptions, biographies- in- progress, the narratives of an individual's lifestyle.” The idea that holism ...