Analyzing Adler's Theories Of Success

“Children learn how to behave, react to others and manage their feelings from the adults around them.” (pg. 148 Riddal-Leech)

The Adlerian Theory focuses on how the person’s perception of the past and his or her interpretation of early events have a continuing influence. Alder believed "that biological and physiological factors provided probabilities for future growth but that, "the self", with creative power as part of its inner nature, is the important intervening variable” (Selgiman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 63). Behavior is purposeful and goal-directed when using Adlerian theory. Adler’s theory focuses on inferiority feelings, which he sees as a normal condition for all people and as a source of all human striving. Inferiority can be the wellspring of creativity. Alder believes this is what motivates us to strive for mastery, superiority, and completion. From an Adlerian perspective, human behavior is not determined solely by heredity and the environment. Instead, we have the capacity to interpret, influence, and create events. Alder asserts that what we were born with is not as important as what we choose to do with the abilities and limitations we possess.

Adlerian psychotherapists often ask their clients about early recollections. What are the assumptions of this technique and how does it facilitate the therapeutic process?

Alfred Adler believed that humans “are not passive victims of heredity or environment (not objects) but active constructors and interpreters of their situations (subjects) (Stein, 1998).” This means that whatever has happened in the past, and early childhood especially, has greatly impacted the way we conduct our lives as adults. However, it is not what was done to us or not done to us that only effects our lives, but mainly how be interpreted those situations and how we formed our self image around them. It can be said that if a young child continually compared themselves to older children and adults they may develop inferiority feelings, which are guided by fictional beliefs. Adler believed these feelings would force these children to strive toward an unrealistic final goal. “The final goal is a fictional creation of the individual – an imagined ideal situation of perfection, completion, or overcoming. Movement toward the final goal is motivated by a striving to overcome the feelings of inferiority (Stein, 1998).” Yet, Adler believed in an actual and attainable “final goal” that was very similar to Maslow’s theory of “self-actualization [and moving] toward the full realization of [peoples] potential (Maslow, 1970).”

The population I want to work with once I become a counselor is adolescents. Like all developmental stages, this group has unique characteristics. Aligning my personal beliefs combined with the knowledge I have of this age group, I have chosen Adlerian for my counseling theory. Breaking down personality development, the change process, the focus of the session and personality traits of the counselor through an Adlerian kaleidoscope, I will examine how this theory aligns with my beliefs and will provide guidance in my counseling career.

Adlerian Theory highlights the importance of focusing on the individual and the concept of social interest in relation to an individual’s desire to have a sense belonging within society. Emphasized within the theory is the idea that behavior is goal-oriented and individuals have the capacity for growth (Dufrene, Henderson, and Eckart, 2016). In the video presented on Adlerian Theory (Psychotherapy.net, 1997), Diane Kjos, Ph.D. and Jon Carlson PsyD. begin with engaging in a discussion on the theoretical approach to provide background on the theory. To illustrate the application of the theory within the helping relationship, a session is then presented for review using Adlerian Theory with Dr. Carson and a client, Gina, followed by questioning and feedback from the audience and hosts on the session.

Similar to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Alfred Adler had a theory called the style of life that can be used along with his other theories to assess an individual’s internal conflict. On the authority of Joanne Irving, Adler’s theory of the style of life, formerly called the life plan, comprises the fundamentals of Adlerian psychology. It states that every individual must establish a set of goals with which they can apply their creative self in hopes of succeeding (82). These goals however, can be hindered by many aspects of

Also, an individual may suffer a negative experience in their upbringing. This may result in their development being ‘altered’ or ‘different.’ Peer pressure also exists and therefore we must consider all of these extra factors regarding the development of individuals.

Alfred Adler was the founder of Adlerian Counseling. He was born in 1870 in the country of Austria. who gave his theory the name Individual Psychology, because he wanted people to see that his theory and methods were designed to help clients help themselves. He believed that everyone had and internal need to be a part of society, and a desire to contribute to that society. That everyone strives for perfection, and everyone initially feels inferior to everyone else. He believed that when that feeling is not overcome, inferiority complexes develop, and if a person tries to overcompensate for inferiority, the develop superiority complex.

Children reflect on adults who teach them morals and when they do so, there can be negative effects. The example of how the teacher influences the toddlers shows how children find morality based on what they learn. Children have the ability to find morality on their own, and adults should not always tell them between right and wrong. In "Erik Erikson And Self-Identity" by Angela Oswalt, the author proves how society influences kids and why adult influences can negatively affect them. She discusses how to find balance between social influence and moral choices. Oswalt states:

As a result of not having a positive tone Adler comes across ineffective in his effort to obtain more people to do volunteer work. One implication of author Michael Adler’s treatment of volunteer work is that we need to “mandate that young people commit a minimum and certain amount of time to community service”. Although Michael Adler does not say do directly, he apparently assumes that forced volunteer work would prepare America better and in result be more connected. While he goes on with his argument he sounds ignorant and less effective when he talks about volunteering as a mandatory which are 2 complete opposites. Adler states “Adding groups like PETA or Save Darfur as a “friend” on MySpace does not replace giving your “real world” time

A quite popular idea is that a person's childhood has the greatest influence on their personality and their moral standards. As stated by Patrick Crispen in Criminal Minds, a child's morals are learned and set by the age of ten years old (67). Also stated in Criminal Minds, is the assumption that a sixth-grade teacher could look at a class of students and determine who will be successful, who will be a "trouble-maker", and so forth (70). This is a deeper example of how

Adler came up with three mistaken styles of life. He says that these mistaken lifestyles can be caused by parents being overly protective therefore making the child overly rebellious. The first type of these mistaken lifestyles is the “ruling type” where this individual will seek to dominate all of those in his/hers surroundings these are the individuals that are likely to become delinquents (74). There is also the “getting type” of mistaken lifestyle. This style is when the individual leans on others, being very dependent, passive, and an attitude toward life. These individuals usually becomes depressed. Lastly, the last type of mistaken lifestyle is the “avoiding type”. This type of individual will try very hard not to deal with the problems

Adler’s safeguarding tendencies consist of shielding devices that help an individual conceal a swelled ego while preserving their current lifestyle (Feist, 2013). These tendencies are mainly conscious and work to protect a person’s style of life by serving to maintain their own false sense of self-importance (Feist, 2013). Adler suggested that feelings of self-importance are what play an integral role in safeguarding tendencies (Clark, 1999). Adler adds that those who foster a “faulty life style resort to expedient safeguarding tendencies” as a way to cope with life (Clark, 1999, p. 77). Though many exhibit these various behaviors, such tendencies are not a biblical way in which to handle ourselves.

Compared to psychoanalysts of Victorian Era, Alfred Adler looked at psychology from a more holistic, humanistic and positive perspective. He was convinced that the main focus should be shifted from biological needs, drives and instincts to individual differences, experience, interaction and social environment. Adler placed great emphasis on sibling and peer group relationships, social interest and achieving perfection. He also introduced the terms inferiority and superiority complex, so commonly used nowadays, to the world.