It’s all about meaning-making and the narrative.
Adler Misunderstood #
Tell me about Alfred Adler? #
Alfred Adler (February 7, 1870 – May 28, 1937) was an Austrian medical doctor, psychotherapist, and founder of the school of individual psychology. His emphasis on the importance of feelings of inferiority—the inferiority complex—is recognized as an isolating element which plays a key role in personality development.
Adler began his medical career as an ophthalmologist, but later switched to general practice, and during his time in general practice, he began to develop his theories on individual psychology. He was initially a colleague of Sigmund Freud and a member of the psychoanalytic movement in the early 20th century, even serving as President of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society at one point. However, he parted ways with Freud due to fundamental differences in their ideas.
Unlike Freud, who emphasized the sexual drives, Adler believed that striving for perfection and power were the foremost motivations in human behavior. One of his key concepts is the idea of ‘striving for superiority’, which is not about wanting to be better than others, but rather a desire to be better in a personal sense, to achieve personal bests and overcome difficulties.
Another significant contribution of Adler was his emphasis on the social aspect of human nature. He believed that a sense of belonging and contribution to the social good was an important aspect of individual health. He emphasized the importance of societal factors and community feeling—what he called “Gemeinschaftsgefühl”—in the development of personality.
Adler was also one of the first psychotherapists to discard the “lying-down” position for patients during therapy sessions, as was the standard practice in psychoanalysis. He opted instead for a face-to-face approach, emphasizing an equal standing between the patient and the therapist.
Adler’s work on inferiority and compensation can also be seen as a precursor to the humanistic psychology of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, and his concepts are still influential today. His ideas on parenting, education, and the importance of self-awareness have left a lasting mark on both psychology and education. Adlerian therapy is practiced by some therapists and emphasizes the development of a cooperative therapeutic relationship, an understanding of life history and lifestyle, and the use of encouragement as a technique for fostering personal growth.
He passed away in 1937, but his ideas continue to resonate in various fields, including psychology, education, and even organizational development.
Why Adler’s approach does not have a more prominent role in modern trauma counseling - his teleological approach to trauma seems incompatible with the mainstream practice? #
Alfred Adler’s approach to psychology and counseling, known as Individual Psychology, offers a unique perspective that emphasizes the individual’s striving for significance and superiority, the importance of social connectedness, and the role of lifestyle in shaping behavior. While Adlerian concepts are integrated into various therapeutic approaches and educational systems, it’s true that they do not form the core of mainstream trauma counseling today.
Here are a few reasons why Adler’s approach may not be as prominent in modern trauma counseling:
Trauma-specific models: Trauma counseling has developed specific models such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing, which are heavily researched and evidence-based. These models directly address the neurobiological and psychological effects of trauma.
Shift towards biological understanding: There’s been a significant shift towards understanding the biological and neurological impacts of trauma. Research into the effects of trauma on brain structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex has led to treatments that specifically target these areas. Adler’s theories do not explicitly address the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma.
Complexity of trauma: The complexity of trauma and its effects on the individual are such that a singular approach may not encompass all aspects of healing. Adler’s theories can be applied to understanding the subjective experience of trauma and the goal-directed behavior that follows, but they might not fully address the immediate psychological and physiological distress that trauma can cause.
Evidence-based practices: Modern psychology and counseling place a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices. Interventions that have robust empirical support tend to be adopted more widely. While Adlerian principles are well-respected, they may not have the same breadth of empirical studies specifically focused on trauma as some other methods do.
Integration rather than isolation: Adler’s theories are often integrated into broader therapeutic approaches rather than being the sole approach. For example, a trauma therapist might incorporate the idea of social interest or the concept of lifestyle into their work without adhering strictly to Adlerian therapy.
Teleological vs. causal approach: Adler’s teleological approach, which looks at the purpose or goals of behavior rather than its cause, may be less intuitive in addressing trauma, which often requires an understanding of the cause-and-effect relationship between the traumatic event and its impact on the individual.
Cultural and systemic shifts: The culture of therapy and systemic factors within mental health care have shifted over the decades, with more focus on short-term, symptom-focused treatments due to economic and insurance factors. Adler’s approach, which is more holistic and personality-oriented, may not fit into this trend as neatly.
Despite these factors, Adler’s theories do provide valuable insights that can be applied to trauma counseling. His concepts of striving for mastery, the importance of community, and the subjective perception of events can be extremely relevant to the trauma healing process. Therapists may incorporate Adlerian concepts in a way that complements and enriches other therapeutic modalities.
Moreover, Adler’s focus on the individual’s capacity to overcome challenges and to strive for growth can be empowering for trauma survivors. The recognition of the unique subjective experience of each individual aligns well with the personalized care that is essential in trauma therapy.
In conclusion, while Adler’s approach may not be the most prominent in trauma counseling, its influence persists in various therapeutic practices and can offer a valuable dimension to understanding and treating trauma.
Regarding #6 above, within the Adlerian world, the recovery of memories related to, say, childhood CPTSD, seems not only unnecessary, but even the very absence of memory may be interpreted as beneficial. Is this oversimplification? #
Yes, the statement that the recovery of memories related to childhood Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is unnecessary or that the absence of memory could be seen as beneficial is indeed an oversimplification and does not accurately represent Adlerian therapy or trauma treatment more broadly.
In Adlerian psychology, the interpretation of past experiences is considered more important than the experiences themselves. Adlerians focus on the meaning that individuals give to their experiences and how these interpretations affect their current behavior and lifestyle. This perspective can sometimes be misconstrued to mean that uncovering and processing specific traumatic memories is not important.
However, here’s a more nuanced view:
Meaning-Making: Adlerian therapy emphasizes the individual’s subjective experience and the personal meaning ascribed to life events, including traumatic experiences. This doesn’t negate the importance of memories but rather focuses on how a person interprets and integrates those memories into their sense of self and worldview.
Therapeutic Goals: The goal in Adlerian therapy is often to help individuals develop a more adaptive and empowering narrative about their lives. This can include working through memories of trauma, but the emphasis is on how these events are situated within the individual’s larger life context and how they influence current functioning.
Role of Memory: While Adlerian therapists might not prioritize the recovery of specific memories as the central aim of therapy, they do recognize that memories and experiences shape an individual’s beliefs and behaviors. The absence of memory, particularly in CPTSD, may be a result of dissociation or other protective mechanisms, and its impact would still be explored in the context of a person’s functioning.
Function of Forgetfulness: Adler himself discussed the concept of “organ dialect” - physical symptoms as expressions of psychological needs - which can be extended metaphorically to understand forgetfulness or memory loss. Sometimes not remembering can serve a protective function for the individual, yet Adlerian therapists would explore the purpose this serves for the person and how it fits into their lifestyle and coping mechanisms.
Holistic Approach: Adlerian therapy would consider a holistic approach to the person’s experiences, which includes not just memories but also current beliefs, behaviors, and social dynamics. The therapist would work with the client to understand how these elements interact and affect the person’s ability to face challenges and engage with life.
Adler and Trauma: It’s important to note that Adler’s work preceded the modern understanding of CPTSD. Current Adlerian practitioners would likely integrate contemporary trauma knowledge and interventions with Adlerian principles to provide comprehensive care.
In modern trauma therapy, regardless of the theoretical orientation, there is an understanding that while processing traumatic memories can be an important part of healing for many individuals, the process must be approached carefully and with respect to each individual’s readiness and coping capacity. Therapists are mindful that forcing memory recall can be retraumatizing, and therefore, they work to ensure a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace.
In sum, Adlerian principles contribute to a broader therapeutic framework and can complement other therapeutic approaches in understanding and treating CPTSD and other trauma-related issues. It’s about finding the right balance and integration of multiple perspectives to best support the individual’s journey towards healing.