Adlerian Psychotherapy 101: Understanding Alfred Adler Without the Confusion
All great questions! So, here’s a bit more for you nerds like me…
Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was a world-renowned philosopher and psychiatrist who stressed the need to understand individuals within their social context. During the early 1900s, Adler began addressing such crucial and contemporary issues as equality, parent education, the influence of birth order, lifestyle, and the holism of individuals. Adler believed that we all have one basic desire and goal: to belong and to feel significant.
Alfred Adler (1870–1937) was born in Vienna, Austria. As a child, he faced serious illness, which inspired him to pursue medicine. His father often told him, “Alfred, question everything,” a mantra that fueled his curiosity and determination. After early struggles in school, including failing mathematics, Adler persevered and earned his M.D. from the University of Vienna in 1895.
He began his career studying health and psychology, publishing his first book in 1898, which emphasized understanding humans as whole beings shaped by both environment and physical traits. Adler briefly joined Freud’s circle but eventually parted ways due to differing views on human motivation, forming his own school of thought known as Individual Psychology. He lectured internationally and founded child guidance clinics in Vienna, influencing generations of psychologists and educators.
The Core of Adlerian Theory
At the heart of Adlerian psychology is the idea that every person strives to belong and feel significant. Feeling encouraged fosters growth, cooperation, and connection. Feeling discouraged can lead to withdrawal, competition, or giving up.
Adlerians pay special attention to childhood development. They believe that “a misbehaving child is a discouraged child.” Supporting children to feel competent and valued is often more effective than punishment or control.
Inferiority, Lifestyle, and Personal Growth
Adler emphasized that feelings of inferiority—arising from family dynamics, physical conditions, or social disconnection—shape our behaviors. Each person develops a unique “lifestyle,” a set of beliefs and strategies formed in childhood that guides how they see themselves, others, and the world. By understanding these patterns, individuals can pursue meaningful growth, self-awareness, and healthier relationships.
Encouragement and Social Connection
Central to Adlerian practice is the role of encouragement and social interest. Contributing to others, building meaningful connections, and learning from social environments help people feel significant and supported. Personal growth isn’t just internal—it is relational, guided by how we connect, contribute, and engage with the world.
Legacy and Influence on Therapy
Adler passed away suddenly in 1937 while lecturing in Scotland, but his ideas continue to shape psychotherapy and human development. His emphasis on encouragement, social connection, and holistic understanding influenced the development of:
Individual Psychology (his original system)
Child Guidance Clinics and Parent Education Programs
Family Therapy (drawing on his ideas about birth order and family dynamics)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, particularly around beliefs, lifestyle, and goal-directed behavior
Humanistic and Existential Therapies, emphasizing social interest, purpose, and personal growth
Adler’s work reminds us that human growth comes from connection, encouragement, and a holistic view of the individual—seeing people as socially embedded beings striving for significance and belonging.