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).

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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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