Adlerian Therapy

Named for the founder, Alfred Adler, the driving belief behind this therapy is that people are basically “good.” Individuals are in control of their own lives and not victims of “fate.” A therapist gathers the history of the patient, including the patient’s goals and how the patient deals with daily tasks of living. The therapist then uses this information to help set new and more realistic goals for his or her client. In essence, the aims of Adlerian therapy are to confront patients’ belief systems relating to their goals and to encourage and assist them in setting useful goals that increase feelings of competence. Goals range from learning about parenting skills or marital relationship skills to stopping substance abuse or preventing panic attacks. Therapists develop a mutual trust relationship with their clients and, as part of treatment, may assign homework or set up contracts for action.