DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRIDGE THEORY

Development of the Bridge Theory

Development of the Bridge Theory

“Everyone goes through down points in their lives. Some people can assess and plan for a better change on their own, while others need the guidance of a therapists to push them toward finding their destination, (meaning) the correct bridge (support by counselor) to take, and the appropriate mode of transportation (therapy selection) leading them to their destination. Though bridge therapy values are brought to the surface, meaningful goals and ambitions are recognized, choices are made and executed leading the client across the bridge to a better life.”

Alfred Adler (psychodynamic)

There are several similarities between Jung and Alfred Adler. Both men trained as doctors, over time sought out Freud to learn about psychoanalysis, were seen as potential successors by Freud, but eventually broke from him over theoretical disputes. While both men disagreed with the emphasis Freud placed on sexuality as a motive, the similarities in their views end there. To Adler, the most important motive is the feeling of inferiority, which he felt originated in the sense of dependence and helplessness which infants experience. (Many biographers see a parallel between Adler's theory and his often experience of being sickly as a child.)

Adler's theory in many ways seems more straight-forward than Jung's, since his focus on striving for superiority seems less abstract than Jung's concept of individuation as the goal of growth. This is also seen in other aspects of this theory, such as style of life as an n individual's pattern of personality and adjustment. (Note Adler had little interest in Jung's concepts of archetypes and the collective unconscious.) In the end, his theory faces many of the same difficulties as other psychodynamic theories, in terms of evaluating its validity. Nonetheless, there is little doubt that Adler has ...