What is Adlerian Therapy? The Pros and Cons
We all have goals in life. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion at work or looking for a great relationship, achieving your goals is important to your overall well-being.
When you struggle to achieve your goals, it can be hard to stay motivated.
Fortunately, Adlerian Therapy can teach you the skills you need to become resilient and achieve success – whatever it looks like to you.
Here at KMA Therapy, our team of therapists is experienced in a wide variety of therapies, including Adlerian Therapy. We’re passionate about teaching you how to find the best therapeutic support for your unique needs.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what the Adlerian Psychotherapy process looks like, its pros and cons, and alternative forms of therapy.
What is Adlerian Psychology?
Adlerian Psychology is focused on the idea that people are, by nature, goal-oriented and driven by choices.
Essentially, people are driven by a need to belong but have a choice in how they choose to belong.
In Adlerian therapy, your therapist will help you examine your decision-making processes to help you prevent mental disturbances and distress.
What Happens During Adlerian Therapy?
During Adlerian Therapy, you’ll complete a lifestyle assessment to identify major successes and mistakes throughout your life.
This assessment will allow your therapist to help you identify targets for the therapy process.
Ultimately, the goal of Adlerian therapy is to help you correct faulty assumptions and conclusions about your life.
The four steps of Adlerian Therapy are:
1. Engaging in a supportive, non-judgement, and trusting relationship with your therapist
2. Participating in your therapist’s assessment of your life and experiences
3. Gaining insight into the pattern of challenges you’re facing
4. Creating positive changes for a more fulfilling life
Pros of Adlerian Therapy
Adlerian therapy is used for a multitude of issues, including anxiety, depression, career issues, and eating disorders.
Adlerian therapy may be a great choice for you if:
- You are highly critical of yourself
- You spend a lot of time ruminating on past events
- You’re looking to get to the root cause of the issues you’re experiencing
Cons of Adlerian Therapy
While Adlerian therapy can allow for significant changes in your life, it is also heavily dependent on your participation in the therapy process compared to other forms of therapy.
Adlerian therapists often do not interpret your experiences for you, as they believe clients can come to these conclusions on their own.
Adlerian therapy may not be the right choice for you if:
- You’re looking for straightforward exercises and activities in therapy
- You’re resistant to exploring your memories and past experiences
- You want clear and direct instructions from your therapist
Alternatives to Adlerian Therapy
After learning more about the pros and cons of Adlerian Psychotherapy, you may be interested in exploring alternative options.
Alternatives to Adlerian Therapy include:
These therapy options can be more direct and guided than Adlerian Psychotherapy.
Next Steps For Adlerian Therapy
After reading this article, you now have an understanding of Adlerian therapy, its pros and cons, and some alternative therapy options to explore.
Here at KMA, we are passionate about ensuring your therapy process is customized to your support you through your unique challenges. For the last 14 years, we’ve been matching our clients with the therapists best suited to them.
Your introductory appointment will match you with your ideal therapist and help you decide if Adlerian Therapy or another choice will work best for you.
Register online to book an introductory appointment, or contact us directly for more information.
If you’re not yet ready to connect with our team, read these resources for more information:
- To find a therapist in Toronto, read: How to Find a Therapist in Toronto
- To learn more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, read: What is CBT? (Pros and Cons)
- To learn more about how your past experiences may still be influencing you, read: 5 Healing Ways to Reparent Your Inner Child
