What can an Adlerian therapist help with?

Adlerian therapy, also called individual psychology, can help treat a broad range of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, social isolation, and feelings of meaninglessness or purposelessness. A tenet of Adlerian psychology is centering the individual within their broader community and fostering a sense of belonging, which is valuable for addressing many aspects of mental health and mental illness.

Who is a certified or qualified Adlerian psychologist?

A qualified Adlerian therapist is a licensed therapist with a master’s degree or doctoral degree. There is an additional certification for Adlerian psychology but not every clinician who practices Adlerian principles may be certified. It’s important to ask about the therapist’s experience to understand if they received specialised training or have experience working within the Adlerian framework.

What are the four stages of Adlerian therapy?

The four stages of Adlerian therapy are engagement, assessment, insight, and reorientation. Engagement refers to developing a supportive, empathetic relationship between therapist and client. Assessment refers to exploring the client’s past experiences, such as childhood family dynamics or birth order. Insight refers to developing an understanding of how the past may be influencing the client’s present thoughts, behaviours, and choices. Reorientation refers to the client shifting their perspective and changing their behaviour for the better.

How to recognise a good Adlerian therapist?

Adlerian therapy hinges on a positive, encouraging therapeutic relationship, as well as cultivating a sense of belonging and validation. A good Adlerian therapist is therefore able to create a strong alliance such that the client feels supported and understood. They are also skilled at asking questions that help the client gain insight into their own behaviour.