Adler's Psychodynamic Theories

Words: 402
Pages: 2

Influenced by Freud, Alfred Adler contributed heavily to the development of the psychodynamic approach to therapy. Adler believed that “humans are motivated primarily by social relatedness rather than sexual urges; behavior is purposeful and goal directed; and consciousness, more than unconsciousness, is the focus of therapy.” (Corey, 2013) A human has the ability to shape their own life, each action is purposeful and directed towards the completion of a desired goal. Adler’s approach to therapy is holistic, subjective, and social in that it “focuses on internal determinants of behavior such as values, beliefs, attitudes, goals, interests, and the individual perception of reality.” (Corey, 2013)

Though an Adlerian therapist utilizes information gathered through assessments of a client’s early recollections and family constellation to help set targets for the therapy process, both the client and counselor work together on agreed upon goals. In order to inspire change and/or growth within the client, an Adlerian therapist will encourage the client to “act as if they were the people they want to be, which can serve to challenge self-limiting assumptions.” (Corey, 2013)

Personal View of the Therapeutic Process
…show more content…
Holistic in nature, Myers and Sweeney define wellness as “a way of life oriented toward optimal health and well-being, in which body, mind, and spirit are integrated by the individual to live life more fully within the human and natural community.” (Myers, et. al, 2008) The writer is heavily influenced by the wellness model, believing that all can benefit from achieving a level of wellness. This directly correlates to Adlerian theory in that Adlerians favor the growth model [and] “do not view clients as being sick and in need of being cured.” (Corey,