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Presentation … Examining & Analyzing
The Adlerian Existential Therapies
Presented by Cherie Chapman
Grand Canyon University – PSY 452
November 22, 2011
Module 4
Adler was a major contributor of allowing patients or clients
to identify and change their perception in their beliefs about self, others
and life in allowing the person to become fully aware of their interaction with
the social world. The Adlerian approach does not perceive the as person being
ill, but caught in a negative perception of discouragement (Corey, 2009).
Alfred Adler is one of the contributing
psychologists, who challenged Sigmund
Freud theories by defining his own
approach of psychotherapy identified as Individual Psychology approach in
which a person is motivated by social
interaction.
Therapeutic Approach …
Adler identified this approach Individual Psychology as a person is motivated by
social factors; a person is also responsible for their own thoughts and feelings and actions; as
humans, we are responsible for our own lives, rather than being focused on the feeling
helpless and victims of our own being; humans are impelled to strive by defining their own
goals and purpose by looking at the future rather than a previous experience (Corey, 2009).
Self
Therefore, this therapeutic approach encourages the individual
to be aware of their behavioral patterns, in which the individual is able
to define key components in finding alternative methods of changing
some of their style of living that can influences how the person behaves
and feels ("Adlerian psychology, psychotherapy," 2008).
According to Adler, he claimed that such behaviors were related to the person’s social content such as birth
order, life style and parent rearing and/or education. Adler was a firm believer in holistic approaches in how
one’s personality, psychotherapy and psychopathology and ideal of a client or patient would be more
responsive and cooperative when they foster feelings of being adequate and respect.
If the individual is discouraged, they may produce counter-productive behaviors such as competition,
withdrawal or defeat. Adler’s theory is often found in misbehaving child because of behavioral issues,
will likely improve if the child develops the feelings of acceptance, importance and respect ("Adlerian
psychology, psychotherapy," 2008).
Adlerian’s approach pays a particular attention to behavior patters and belief systems that developed
in early childhood. This approach focuses on the stages of self-awareness and behaviors that are responsible for
how an individual perceives ones self among peers. By being able to identify these patterns the Adlerian approach
is used to create the person’s sense of worth, meaning which results in healing (Corey, 2009).
Adlerian’s theory has been an effective aid used in the following areas: elementary education, consultant groups with teachers, parent education, couples and group counseling to name a few.
Adlerian approach is often used an alternative method used by therapists and practitioners that uses a combination of approaches because of the flexibility and integrative approach (Corey, 2009).
Strengths related to Adlerian Theory …
The Adlerian approach is often used an alternative method used by therapists
and practitioners that uses a combination of approaches because of the flexibility
and integrative approach.
This approach allows for practitioners’ to use a variety of methods in
addition to Adlerian approach, such as cognitive, behavioral, and experiential
methods. With each of these methods, the practitioner is able draw upon many
methods for each client in variety of settings or formats. The method is concerned
about the humanistic format in what is in the best interest of the client rather than
using the theoretical framework established by previous psychologists.
The Adlerian theory uses a brief timing therapy, in
which modern practitioners establish a number of characteristics
or goals with the consent of the client which focuses on
understanding and clarity of goal alignment, with the use of
rapid assessment and applicable treatment, or emphasis on
active and directive intervention methods, psychoeducational
focus, present and future orientation, emphasis on the clients
strengths and abilities for an optimistic change for ones’ self
within a specific time frame established by the practitioner
(Corey, 2009).Unity
Some therapists claim early recollections provide a basis for time-limited therapy, in
which often used to reduce the number of sessions of treatment with the practitioner. This approach may
take a little more time to analyze and provide insight for the individual.
Recollections …
According to Bitter and Nicoli, there are five types of
characteristics that is used within the framework of the
practitioner that includes the following:
Analysis
(1) time limits
(2) focus
(3) counseling objectives
(4) identifying the symptoms by
establishing solutions
(5) compliance of assigned behavioral
modifications associated with
individualized tasks (Corey, 2009).
5 Characteristics
Modern psychologists may choose to implement other forms of therapy with the Adlerian
approach due to the effectiveness of such treatments that provides an assessment, in which the
client is able to find appraisal in self-value, worth, independence, acceptance and
expectations. Each therapist may implement the following practices within their own framework:
Effectiveness of therapy…
(1) the valuations of how individual goals influences the individual,
(2) acknowledgment of the person’s interpretation of early life
experiences in the family with the main focus in understanding the impact of such actions
(3) the use of practitioner of interpretation of childhood recollections used during the assessment and treatment,
(4) interpretation of dreams used as a rehearsal forum for future
behaviors
(5) the to confront mistakes,
(6) use of cognitive experiences that are the
foundation of who we are as humans, in which
emotions and behaviors are influenced by social
needs or expectations
(7) establishing an action plan to aid in alternating a
client’s behavior,
(8) seeking trusting relationship with practitioner
upon consenting to mutual goals defined by client
and therapists
(9) incorporate encouragement and acceptance
during the sessions with the client. Prac
tices
Factors for therapy…
Most of these approaches have a similar concept in how the treatment
is used within each type of therapy, consisting of the person having an
understanding of their purpose, self-determining and strive for inner
growth. Adler has paved the way for other theorists to incorporate these
methods into their own developments of cognitive and constructive
approaches.
Contributing
Mul
tipur
pose
The Adlerian theory is a contributing factor in other forms of therapy
that have been effective in treating clients who may struggle in fulfilling their
purpose in society. In fact many of these characteristics have been used the
following approaches:
Therefore, the Adlerian approach continues to thrive amongst
other contemporary psychologists, in which the the client is
subject to change their way of thinking, feelings and
behavior they are likely to succeed in the treatment and learn
how to excel within their environment and peers.
(1) educational approaches for parents
(2) Gestalt therapy, learning theory, reality theory, rational
emotional behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, person-to-
person centered therapy, existential therapy, and
postmodern methods in therapy (Corey, 2009).
Reflection of Experiences …
Self
awar
enes
s
Existential Therapy is a form of therapy which allows the individual become self-aware, by
reflecting from our experiences to gain a stronger insight that humanity has the capability of
choosing how we live and finding our own destiny. This awareness of free choosing gives one the
responsibility of finding our own strengths to succeed in life. This form of therapy was created by
Viktor Frankl and Rollo May, who believed that many chose to seek out their purpose in life or the
meaning of human existence. This method approaches human issues such as love, death and the value of
life, in how the person chooses to deal with these values and what roles they play in the person’s life.
Based upon the existential approach
there are basic dimensions of human
conditions that include the following:
(1) self-awareness
(2) tension between freedom
and responsibility
(3) creation of identity and by
establishing meaningful
relationships
(4) search for meaning
(5) acceptance of anxiety as
a condition living
(6) the awareness of death
and non-being.
This method requires the practitioner to have access of
great depth and openness in their own life, before
being able to gain access into their client’s subjective
world without losing their own identity. The basic
concept surrounding this approach is being concerned
the following:
(1) goals of therapy
(2) basic condition of being human
(3) therapy in the form of a journey
(4) practitioners and clients are not
bound by specific techniques
Existential approach places focus on person-to-person
relationships, in which the individual’s growth occurs
through this encounter. This method is not a general
method practitioners’ use that make a difference;
although it is based upon the quality of relationship
the therapist and client share that heals.
Positive form of human existence …
Consciousness
The Strengths of Existential Therapy …
This approach helps bring the person back as a central focus of the therapy by concentrating on the
facts surrounding human existence, self-consciousness, or consequences
related freedom. Existential methods provides a positive approach in how one sees death and
not based upon a morbid prospect of fear, for death allows for one to understanding the meaning of life.
“The aim of existential theory is to assist people in developing their
own talent in their own personal way, helping them in being true to
what they value”
Existentialists have provided a new approach in understanding anxiety,
guilt, frustration, loneliness and alienation. A method used by van Deurzen places
encouragement for the person in which they will be able to reflect upon conflicts
or issues they have encountered over the course of their lives. According to van
Deurzen the existential approach allows the person to live life based upon
their own standards and values.
Existentialists approach emphasizes how human quality is based upon a therapeutic
relationship a client has with their therapists. Therefore, lessens the chance of the therapy
following victim to dehumanizing form of psychotherapy. Therapists’ using this approach may
reject the therapy associated with objectivity and professionalism as being unhelpful.
Existential therapists is the basis for a person being able to have the freedom to
chose and be responsible for the outcome, in which the person is able to
redesign their life of their choosing by being aware of these actions. This
approach allows for the individual to build upon their own experiences and allow for
the practitioner to address the difficulties facing the person, therefore being conscious
of the behavior the person is more likely to define and establish new goals for one self
(Corey, 2009).
Focusing on Experiences …
Inte
grat
ive
Contributions related to Existential Therapy …
There are many facets related to existential theories, in which one can integrate these
concepts with other therapeutic applications. According to Bugental and Bracke there
are some concerns using this approach with other forms of therapy which consists of:
(1) the subjectivity of the client is the
main focus in understanding their life changes
(2) one must be fully present and
committed to the relationship with the therapist in which they are mandatory in
providing life-changing therapy
(3) the goal of the therapy is to help the person recognize the ways in how they
are constricting their awareness and actions
(4) to focus on the therapy in which the
client has the opportunity to examine and use this to change their life
(5) the client becomes more aware of these changes, they are able to redefine
themselves and the world, along with
being able to find alternative choices and actions
(6) the therapists may have the opportunity to transference and
countertransference, by modeling such
behaviors and taking responsibility for oneself while requesting their client to
do the same (Corey, 2009).
By being able to incorporate these creative
integrative methods, this allows for the
individual to duplicate such behaviors
within their own lives. With the
cognitive approach much of how
existentialists use these approaches it
allows for other therapist to use this
approach in helping the client in
making a existential change by having a
new meaning of the world.
With these practices defined by Dattilio is
allows for the individual to have a
restructured belief system, relaxed
state, with the use of a variety of
cognitive and behavioral therapies, along
with the use of existential approach allows
for the individual to undergo a real-life
transformation.
Limitations of Methods…
Effec
tiven
ess
The Existential method lacks the systematic approach in principles and methods used in
psychotherapy. The practice limits practitioners in understanding the content related to language
and concepts. Therefore, some therapists describe the existential therapy as being vague in global
terms with the use of self-actualization, dialogic encounter, authenticity, and real-real situations.
Thus, the practice often lacks precision in diagnosis and may cause confusion or lack of validity in
researching the outcome of this type of therapy.
Some therapists have revealed this
philosophy results in a loss as the
individual tries to incorporate this therapy
within their own practice. A primary
reasoning for using this approach allow the
client to be subjective to
comprehending the world with
the guidance of the therapists. In fact, some
practitioners who use this method often
have to develop their own strategies or
borrow other methods from other
therapies. Therefore, this technique applied
in a private practice often has limitations if
there are not specific guidelines to follow.
Some practitioners argue that concepts
should be empirically sound,
identifiable operations, a
testable hypotheses research
analysis, and the is based upon the
processes used and the end result; in some
instances, this approach is often criticized
or rejected because of inaccurate
measuring resulting from quantitative and
empirical approaches. Thus, lacking such
information makes it difficult for
therapists’ to apply their research and the
effectiveness of this approach.
A renowned therapist, van Deurzen identified three main reasons existential methodology
has limitations and it is based upon the following factors:
For this reason, experiential therapists needs to be informed and capable of providing a wide-range of understanding and mastery on entails of being human. The practitioner has be involved with the client with technical skills, in which the client and the therapists are responsible for taking accountability for creating their our being for their lives (Corey, 2009).
(1 ) level of maturity,
(2) life experiences,
(3) intensive training required for therapists.
Similarities and Differences among therapies …
According to the philosophy associated with the Adlerian theory the human experience is
based upon social interaction, interest, striving toward achievement, and dealing with experiences in
life. The emphasis is based upon the client being capable of living within a societal framework.
The individual is able to evaluate, interpret, influence and create events in their
own lives of their choosing. Humanity is able to create his or her own life choices at an early age,
which remains consistent in the individual’s life (Corey, 2009).
The main key concepts associated with Adlerian model include: unity of
personality, the need to view others from a subjective perspective, and the importance of
establishing goals, which influences the individual’s behavior. This model suggests humanity
is motivated by social interest, and the understanding of what experiences
contributes to the meaning of life. Other component(s) of this model consists of striving for
significance, superiority, creating a unique lifestyle, and the comprehension of family
constellation. This method of therapy uses encouragement and enabling the client to
change their perception and behavior (Corey, 2001).
The goal of Adlerian therapy
encourages the client to change their life
goals in order to develop socially within the framework they have designed. With the client having a new sense of direction of
awareness this allows the individual to develop a sense of belonging.
The therapeutic approach for this method consist of the therapist and client being able to be jointly responsible in determining goals, a mutual understanding of respect and trust with one another, and having equal accountability for one’s actions (Corey, 2001).
Adlerian therapy is based upon four
central objectives that corresponds to the
therapeutic process, which include the following:
What are the main differences and similarities associated with Adlerian and Existential therapies in which
influences the psychological behaviors of the client?
(1) establish a proper therapeutic relationship
(2) explore psychological dynamics with use of assessment with the individual
(3) encourage development of self-understanding with the use of exploring one’s purpose
(4) assist the client in finding new choices with the use of reeducation or reorientation (Corey, 2000).
The advantage in using the Adlerian theory
Has been described as “relationship to technical eclecticism” in which this form of therapy is diversified for a wide range of clients. Adlerian therapists are not bound to adhere to specific guidelines, allowing the counselor to have the freedom to use multiple approaches with their clients.
The goal of using Adlerian therapy is aid in the client
being able to identify and change their negative beliefs about their
self, others, and life in order to participate fully in their social
environment. With this therapeutic approach this assist in help the
individual in making basic changes in their perception of lifestyle
choices. This therapy encourages and challenges the client in
translating their goals into actions within their environment.
Self
The Adlerian method is a holistic approach
In regards to assisting the client by considering all forms of human functioning and
examining the person’s past, present and future. The client will be able to incorporate this
method within their lives, thus allowing for them to contribute society by making the world a
better place by looking beyond one’s self and making a difference for others. The client is
willing to change their perception by being involved socially to find the meaning of life
beyond their self.
The limitations of this practice
Is based upon the weaknesses of precision, reliability and empirical data in which few
attempts have been used to explain the methods used for scientific purposes. Therefore, this
approach tends to simplify some of the more complex human behaviors are overlooked
with the idea of the client using common sense to try to solve the problem (Corey, 2009).
Existential therapy differs from the Alfred Adlerian approach,
in which Viktor Frankl mentions the central focus is on the nature
of human conditions that consists of self-awareness, freedom of
choice, responsibility, anxiety, the search to find meaning to life, being
along or having a relationship with others, and facing death.
Meaning of life …
The key concepts associated with Existential therapy
model is human behavior is based upon human conditions. Based
upon this approach the personality development occurs based upon the
uniqueness of one’s self. This sense of self develops early in infancy. The
focus of this therapy is the present and what one is becoming toward the
future actions; and the emphasis on self-awareness before action.
There are many facets surround Existential approach which allows the person
to see that they are free and have access becoming aware of their
choices and possibilities. Therapist may c h a l l e n g e the client to
recognize they are responsible for their choices, whereas they learn to
reconstruct negative actions with a positive approach in what happening to
them. The therapist may encourage the client to identify factors that interfere
with their freedom to make choices.
The therapist’s main task is to accurately grasp the individual’s
response in being in real world situations, and to create a
relationship based upon mutual understanding and authenticity. The
relationship between the therapist and the client is based upon the here
and now encounter, thus by addressing these events it allows for both
individuals to be changes by the event (Corey, 2001).
Accountability
By placing emphasis on freedom and being accountable for one’s actions as a
primary focus of this therapy, which enables the individual to redesign their lives. By
allowing the person to make choices it allows for the person experience a heightened sense
of anxiety, that is described a human characteristic.
This heightened anxiety allows for the person to reflect on reality in which they will
die. With facing this inevitability of eventual death it gives the individual the significance of
a current moment that reveals death is based upon meaning and the purpose of life
which human strive to achieve. Humanity is faced with finding the purpose, and values that
are used to explain the meaning for life, however the individual has the freedom and
commitments to make these decisions available even if they are faced with this uncertainty.
Existential therapy incorporates a life changing process, in which
humans have the ability of having self-awareness, that
allows for the individual to reflect and make decisions. With access to
this type of self-awareness it allows for the individual to have the free
will in how they choose to live.
With the therapist using the existential approach it usually is concerned with defining the
goals of therapy, the basis for human condition, or a shared
journey, by not limiting the practitioner to follow a specified set of techniques. The
existential approach is a method which is used to understand human concern, self-alienation,
estrangement from peers, fear of death and nonbeing, living with courage, the exploration in
comprehending the meaning of life and the experience of making choices.
Some of the basic concepts related to Existential theory have limitations in how
successful this approach maybe. The concept associated with this theory is ill-defined,
making the generalization of the framework more difficult to observe. The
approach lacks a systematic principle and practicum of therapy. In some instances, this
application has limited applicability in lower functioning in nonverbal individuals or
those who are in a extreme crisis (Corey, 2001).
Mul
tipur
pose
Adlerian psychology, psychotherapy and techniques
[Web log message]. (2008, January 29). Retrieved from
http://www.goodtherapy.org/Adlerian-Psychology.html
Corey, G. (2001). The art of integrative counseling.
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Corey, G. (2009). The Fundamentals of Counseling
and Psychotherapy, 7th ed. Pacific Grove, CA:
Cengage Learning.
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