Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian therapy consists of four stages, including the following. 

Engagement

The initial engagement stage focuses on establishing a relationship between the client and the therapist. Once this therapeutic alliance is built, the two can collaborate on addressing the challenges the client is experiencing. 

Assessment

In the assessment phase, the therapist gathers pertinent information about the client to create a treatment plan. The details the therapist gathers may include:

• The client’s history
• Early recollections
• Birth order 
• Current mental health information 
• Present medical and psychological challenges
• Information about their social and emotional functioning 
• Strengths and weaknesses

Formal assessment tools may be used during this stage, as well. 

Insight

Once the clinician has gotten to know the client and gathered the necessary information, they may work to help the client see their situation differently. During this stage, the therapist may ask questions that help the client become more aware of their current beliefs. They may also offer insight into what could be causing unwanted tendencies. 

Reorientation

The reorientation stage typically requires action and willingness from the client. With the help of their therapist, they can start implementing new, healthy ways of thinking to replace unhelpful thought patterns that were holding them back. The client may also complete activities outside of therapy to reinforce what they’re learning during their sessions. 

Because a strong therapeutic alliance is generally necessary for Adlerian therapy to be effective, you may expect to spend your first few sessions building a relationship with your therapist. During this time together, the two of you can establish goals for therapy. 

During the assessment stage of Adlerian psychotherapy, you may have lengthy discussions about your childhood. Although it can be uncomfortable, talking through your early childhood can give the therapist more context for your current way of thinking. In contrast to other therapeutic approaches, you may spend more time discussing the past rather than discussing your current challenges. 

It can take time to build a strong relationship with a therapist and dedication to reshape your way of thinking as you replace unhealthy thought patterns, so it may be helpful not to expect yourself to change overnight. Instead, you might try to invest time and effort into affecting real change. Over time, you may work to replace guilt or shame with self-confidence and self-worth.

Some of the mental illnesses that Adlerian therapy may be used to address include the following: 

• Anxiety¹
• Depression²
• Substance use and addiction
• Personality disorders
• Schizophrenia³

One of the foundational principles of Adlerian therapy is social inclusion. That’s why another primary goal of treatment is to help clients become comfortable in their role in a social group and feel a sense of belonging. This treatment can be beneficial for people who often feel socially insecure, especially if they have thoughts of inferiority or superiority. The social focus of Adlerian therapy may also make it a helpful option for family therapy and improving family dynamics.  

Adlerian therapy may also be used for children. In the 1980s, Adlerian play therapy was developed as an approach to working with children that combines tenets of Adlerian therapy with play therapy. Like traditional Adlerian therapy, it begins with the therapist building a relationship with the child. This method has been suggested to be beneficial for children who have learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),⁴ or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).⁵ It may also support children experiencing behavioral, emotional, or academic struggles. 

Overcoming thoughts of inferiority and inadequacy

People who have feelings of inferiority may act accordingly, sometimes compensating by striving for significance or developing a sense of superiority. Adlerian therapy seeks to help clients become well-adjusted and function better in social settings. 

Realizing you have control over thoughts and behaviors

Some individuals live according to old, unhealthy beliefs about themselves without realizing the impact these thoughts have on them. Recognizing one’s power to shift these beliefs can be a crucial step toward change. 

Replacing negative beliefs

By recognizing that unhelpful beliefs from the past don’t have to define their future, clients may move forward with healthier, more productive ways of thinking.

Building self-confidence

According to Adler, three factors are vital for individual psychology or therapy to work. Adler believed the client must have mutual trust with their therapist, receive encouragement, and experience an authentic connection. These factors are often part of a healthy therapeutic alliance. Once this alliance is established, the client may be better able to work through fears of abandonment and develop increased self-confidence. 

Adlerian therapy is one of many treatment options for working through trauma and the impact it has on a person’s mental and emotional health. Research suggests that trauma-informed Adlerian play therapy may represent an effective intervention for addressing trauma in children, too.

In South Korea, researchers tested the effectiveness of Adlerian group therapy in supporting middle-aged women who have developed hwa-byung, also known as South Korean anger syndrome. Participants in the intervention group experienced a significant improvement in symptoms of hwa-byung as well as anxiety and depression. In particular, the group format of the therapy was in line with the social interest aspect of Adlerian therapy and allowed participants to have more effective social interactions with one another. 

Another study examined the impact of Adlerian group counseling on the psychosocial challenges of adolescents in secondary school. The students completed an Adolescent's Psychosocial Problem Inventory before and after participating in the therapy. Those in the test group saw significant improvements in their psychosocial challenges, becoming more socially competent and developing a higher self-concept. 

A qualified Adlerian therapist has a master’s or doctorate in psychology. They may also be certified in Adlerian psychology, but this certification is not a requirement. Some therapists may follow Adlerian theory without having completed additional training. According to the American Psychological Association, Adlerian therapy may integrate several approaches within the general Adlerian framework. 

Some organizations offer directories specifically for finding Adlerian therapists. For example, the Adlerian Society Institute for Individual Psychology lists dozens of providers throughout Britain in their directory. The North American Society of Adlerian Psychology also offers a list of affiliate organizations in Canada and the US. All affiliate information includes contact information and a website to learn more about the region’s Adlerian group.

If a provider isn’t available within a commutable distance, you may consider working with an online therapist. Using an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can find one out of thousands of licensed mental health professionals available to meet with remotely based on your needs, preferences and location, including those who have specific training in Adlerian therapy.