Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler (1870-1937). Contemporary with Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.
Part of the founding Viennese-based psychoanalytic movement.
In its simplest sense, being an Adlerian-oriented* therapist means that both conscious and unconscious processes are considered as being part of what makes an individual 'tick'.
* I use the term ‘Adlerian-oriented’ and not simply ‘Alderian’ because I am in the process of obtaining my Adlerian certification (CAC)—typically an undertaking done over a handful of years, and now interrupted by the Covid-19 situation.
Unlike Adler’s colleague Sigmund Freud, however, Alfred Adler posited that our unconscious internal forces are not necessarily deterministic, and that they may be, through psychotherapeutic interventions (i.e. ‘talk therapy’, counselling / psychotherapy) illuminated and modified. Adler developed his own theoretical orientation that he termed Individual Psychology, and which emphasizes the entire individual. It is holistic and person-centered, and at its core is positive and encouraging.
Most of us can say that, at times, our behaviours and feelings seem to be overly influenced by the behaviours of other people, or by particular situations—we are negatively ‘triggered’, we have ‘knee-jerk’ reactions. Disappointed in ourselves we wonder if we are ever going to change, and are left with unpleasant feelings about ourselves. We become discouraged.
Healing can be found through telling your story. Together we will find the parts of you that may be stuck in an unhelpful space. We will find ways to move forward; gently, and with a new and compassionate understanding.
Additional information on Adlerian orientation may be found under the For Therapists page.
“The wounds to our ego are our teachers and must be welcomed. They must be paid attention to, not litigated.” (The Gift of Contemplative Prayer by Richard Rohr).