CCMH/506 – Personality Theories and Counseling Models
Adlerian Theory and Models of Counseling
The separate aspects that add up to the entire sum of what each individual develops into developed the basis of Adlerian Theory. This paper will address the connection between Adlerian theory and early psychodynamic theory and contemporary family systems. Adler’s greatest contribution to modern psychology will be included. The important influences on personality development that Adler thought important will be discussed. A treatment plan from an Adlerian approach will be used to respond to Darnell, a cases study that is correlated with this class.
Adler’s Ideas
Alfred Adler was a follower of Freud but separated himself to develop his own school of Individual Psychology. He thought that Freud’s views were too strongly influence by sexual instincts. Alfred Adler theory looked at how a person is influenced by his or her social urges and conscious thought, not every thing being influenced by sexual urges and the unconscious (Cervone & Pervin, 2010).
Adlerian theory has an emphasis in birth order, social interests, and individual’s lifestyle, along with the concepts of inferiority and superiority as key components in the personality development. Much of Adlerian theory is based in socialistic ideology. Alfred Adler professed to be influenced by Karl Marx and much of his theory contains the inspirations from this type of ideology. Adler thought that psychological health is measured and determined by a person’s level of social contribution and the benefit received to the community for the greater good (Hunter, n.d.).
“Social contribution is increased through the reduction of mistaken beliefs, which frequently lead to maladaptive feelings of inferiority or superiority. This goal of combating false beliefs is attained through an understanding of family constellations, early memories, and dreams”
References: Alfred Adler 's Contributions. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesal/p/alfred-adler.htm Cervone, D., & Pervin, L.A. (2010). Personality theory and research (11th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database Hunter, C. (n.d.). Adlerian Therapy. Retrieved from http://www.christiehunter.com/personality/alderian-therapy.htm University of Phoenix. (2013). Week Five Faculty Notes. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, CCMH/506 - Personality Theories and Counseling Models website University of Phoenix. (2013). Expert Theory Case Analysis. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, CCMH/506 - Personality Theories and Counseling Models website .