Examining & Analyzing

Presentation
Presented by Cherie Chapman Grand Canyon University PSY 452 November 22, 2011
Module 4

The Adlerian Existential Therapies

Alfred Adler is one of the contributing psychologists, who challenged Sigmund Freud theories by dening his own approach of psychotherapy identied as Individual Psychology approach in which a person is motivated by social interaction.

Adler identied 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 dening their own goals and purpose by looking at the future rather than a previous experience (Corey, 2009).

Therapeutic

Approach

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).
Therefore, this therapeutic approach encourages the individual to be aware of their behavioral patterns, in which the individual is able to dene key components in nding alternative methods of changing some of their style of living that can inuences how the person behaves

Self

and feels ("Adlerian psychology, psychotherapy," 2008).

According to Adler, he claimed that such behaviors were related to the persons social content such as birth order, life style and parent rearing and/or education. Adler was a rm believer in holistic approaches in how ones 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. Adlers 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).
Adlerians 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 persons sense of worth, meaning which results in healing (Corey, 2009).

Adlerians 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 exibility 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 exibility 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 specic time frame established by the practitioner (Corey, 2009).

Unity

Recollections
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.

5 Characteristics
According to Bitter and Nicoli, there are five types of practitioner that includes the following:
(1) time limits (2)

characteristics that is used within the framework of the

focus
(3)

counseling objectives
(4)

identifying the symptoms by establishing solutions

(5) compliance of assigned behavioral

modifications associated with

Analysis

individualized tasks (Corey, 2009).

Effectiveness of therapy
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 nd appraisal in self-value, worth, independence, acceptance and expectations. Each therapist may implement the following practices within their own framework:
(1) the valuations of how individual goals influences the individual, (2) acknowledgment of the persons 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 clients 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.

Practices

Factors for therapy

The Adlerian theory is a contributing factor in other forms of therapy that have been effective in treating clients who may struggle in fullling their

Contributing

purpose in society. In fact many of these characteristics have been used the
following approaches:
(1) educational approaches for parents (2) Gestalt therapy, learning theory, reality theory, rational emotional behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, person-toperson centered therapy, existential therapy, and postmodern methods in therapy (Corey, 2009).

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. 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.

Multipurpose

Reection of Experiences
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 nding 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 persons 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.

Existential approach places focus on person-to-person relationships, in which the individuals 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.

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 clients 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

Self awareness

Positive form of human existence

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. 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 reect upon conicts
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.

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 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 difculties facing the person, therefore being conscious

Consciousness
(Corey, 2009).

of the behavior the person is more likely to dene and establish new goals for one self

Focusing on Experiences
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).

approach in helping the client in making a existential change by having a new meaning of the world. With these practices dened 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.

Integrative

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

Limitations of Methods
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 specic 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 difcult for therapists to apply their research and the effectiveness of this approach.

A renowned therapist, van Deurzen identied three main reasons existential methodology has limitations and it is based upon the following factors:
(1 ) level of maturity,

(2) life experiences, (3) intensive training required for therapists. 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).

Effectiveness

Similarities and Differences

among therapies
What are the main differences and similarities associated with Adlerian and Existential therapies in which influences the psychological behaviors of the client?
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 individuals 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 individuals 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 signicance, 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 ones actions (Corey, 2001). Adlerian therapy is based upon four central objectives that corresponds to the therapeutic process, which include the following: (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 ones purpose (4) assist the client in finding new choices with the use of reeducation or reorientation
(Corey, 2000).

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. The advantage in using the Adlerian theory Has been described as relationship to technical eclecticism in which this form of therapy is diversied for a wide range of clients. Adlerian therapists are not bound to adhere to specic guidelines, allowing the counselor to have the freedom to use multiple approaches with their clients.

The Adlerian method is a holistic approach In regards to assisting the client by considering all forms of human functioning and examining the persons 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 ones self and making a difference for others. The client is willing to change their perception by being involved socially to nd 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 scientic 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).

Self

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 nd meaning to life, being along or having a relationship with others, and facing death.

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 ones 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 therapists main task is to accurately grasp the individuals 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).

Meaning of life

Existential therapy incorporates a life changing process, in which humans have the ability of having self-awareness, that allows for the individual to reect 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.

By placing emphasis on freedom and being accountable for ones 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 signicance 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 nding 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. With the therapist using the existential approach it usually is concerned with dening the

goals of therapy,

the

basis for human condition, or a shared

journey, by not limiting the practitioner to follow a specied 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-dened, making the generalization of the framework more difcult 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).

Accountability

Adlerian psychology, psychotherapy and techniques [Web log message]. (2008, January 29). Retrieved from http://www.goodtherapy.org/Adlerian-Psychology.html

Pacic Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Corey, G. (2009). The Fundamentals of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 7th ed. Pacic Grove, CA: Cengage Learning.

Images and Backgrounds are royalty-free images 2011.

Multipurpose

Corey, G. (2001). The art of integrative counseling.