Friday, May 18, 2012

A look at Psychoanalytic & Adlerian Theory

Psychoanalytic therapy 
is a theory of personality development, a philosophy of human nature, and a method of psychotherapy that focuses on unconscious factors that motivate behavior. Attention is given to the first 6 years of life as determinants of the later development of personality (Corey, 2009). 

The theory of psychoanalysis was developed by Sigmund Frued.
(1856-1930)

 















One of Psychology's most famous figures, Dr. Sigmund Freud is considered to be one of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the twentieth century. His theories about childhood, sexuality and therapy have played a huge role in shaping the way Psychology has progressed. The theory of the Id, Ego and Super Ego has become a staple for most educators of today. Though some of his ideas are are criticized, there really isn't a more influential key figure in Psychology.




Key concepts of this theory focus on the unconscious side of an individual. Things such as a person’s dreams or behaviors may provide a closer look into a variety of problems in one’s life. The internal thoughts  and feelings of a person  are believed to be part of the foundation for many different types of symptoms and behaviors (Cherry, 2012).


Goals
  • Attempting to join the unconscious and the conscious
  • Finding core issues related to childhood experiences
  • Analyzing the unconscious feelings and finding hidden answers to help resolve issues




Adlerian therapy 
is a growth model that stresses assuming responsibility, creating one’s own destiny, and finding meaning and goals to create a purposeful life. Key concepts are used in most other therapies (Corey, 2009).

The Adlerian theory was developed by Alfred Adler.  
 (1870 - 1937)  
                                                     
                                                      
Alfred was not able to walk until age four. He suffered from a disease called rickets. If that wasn't bad enough, he almost died of pneumonia at age five. These were the trials that motivated Adler to become a physician. In the near future he received a medical degree from the University of Vienna. From there he started his career as an Opthamologist (Mitchell, 2012).  

Later Alfred turned to psychiatry and from there joined up with Dr. Sigmund Freud. Dr. Freud named Adler the president of Viennese Analytic Society, he was the co-editor of the organization newsletter. In 1926, Alfred came to the United States to give a series of lectures.He accepted a visiting position at Long Island College of medicine which ultimately led him to take his family and move to the U.S. His goal was to help clients identify and change their wrong views about themselves and those around them. He also tried to help them focus on life and to participate more fully in the social world (Corey, 2009).


Rudolf Dreikurs  
(1897 - 1972)




Rudolf Dreikurs was an American psychiatrist and educator who adapted Alfred Adler's system of individual psychology into a pragmatic method for understanding the purposes of behavior in children and for stimulating cooperative behavior without punishment or reward. He was credited with popularizing this approach in the United States (Corey, 2009). 




Key concepts of this theory focus on the practitioner seeking to establish some type of environment in which learning can take place. A place of support and optimism are the key concerns. The procedures that are chosen to be used must first to help relieve suffering and second, to promote a positive change and empowerment (Mitchell, 2012).




Goals of Adlerian Psychotherapy
  • Encouraging social interest
  • Encouraging a view of equality
  • Altering an emotional state of inferiority
  • Changing motivations
  • Helping the patient become a contributing human being with a positive outlook on life



Techniques
  • Encouragement
  • Catharsis
  • Confession
  • Task setting
  • Creating images
  • Catching oneself
  • Role playing
  • Empty Chair technique


Cherry, K, (2012).  Sigmund Freud - Life, Work and Theory, Retrieved on May 18th 2012 from http://psychology.about.com

Corey, G. (2009).  Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (eighth edition). Belmont, Ca: Thomas Higher Education.
Dr. Neukrug, (2007).  Stories of Great Therapist, Retrieved on May 18th 2012 from
http://www.odu.edu

Mitchell, G. (2012). Alfred Adler & Adlerian Individual Psychology, Trans4mind, Retrieved on May 13th 2012 from http://www.trans4mind.com



 



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