The contributions of Adlerian theory.

The first contribution is that an Adlerian view of human nature is positive (George &
Cristiani, XXXX). Instead of human motivated by instinct (from Freud theory), his
view on human motivations is that humans were motivated by social relationship
factors, where every human have its own control of their own life. Basically, his
views are more into conscious minds instead of feelings.

The flexibility of Adlerian therapy is one of its greatest strength (Arthur, 2009). It is
a diverse therapy, for both in practice (habit and routine) and in theory as well.
Basically its because its emphasis on goals, the social leanings of Adlerian therapy
are greatly beneficial to couples, families, and groups.

One of the Adlerian techniques was the ‘encouragement’. It helps to built rapport
between the therapist and client (Corey & Gerald, 2005). Of course the relationship
between the counsellor and the client is valued (through empathy and
understanding); in fact most of the therapy valued their client. For example, how a
counsellor valued the client is by understanding their situation and value their
feelings. When a person told how inferiority they were among the family, the
counsellor also can share their feelings by telling them how they understand the
situation is. Thus, they have created a good relationship from this understanding.

Adler’s concept of family constellation and birth order was the most popular and
useful which has yielded important research investigations (George & Cristiani,
XXXX). This concept is still used and has been accepted and not yet has the full stop
(the concept is not fully mastered yet). Adlerian theories in concept of ‘family
constellation’ always open a new page for new findings.

Another contribution of Adlerian therapy is the concept is used by parent education

groups as well (Dinkmeyer et al, 1979). Parents are responsible for the growth of
the child. This is because those parents as well as interaction with the siblings are
the closest surroundings and environment that largely influence the child. Training
is necessary for the parents, and if parents knew this learn the concept, they can
use some new techniques and approaches for raising their child.

Criticisms of the Adlerian theory

Adlerian counselling is basically dependent on vision to influence change and this

creates criticism to it (George & Cristiani, XXXX). Counsellor’s job is to assist the
client and not influence them to change especially the behaviour. In Adlerian
counselling, the client’s experiences and life styles are interpreted to them, and this
intellectual understanding is supposed to result in behaviour change.

Another Adlerian theory limitation is that this theory tends to oversimplify some
complex human problems (Corey & Gerald, 2005), because the theory mainly
focuses on identifying, exploring, and revealing misguided goals and faulty
assumptions of the client's lifestyle and is based heavily on common sense.

The counselling process is basically educative rather than therapeutic (George &
Cristiani, XXXX). Client’s feelings are not considered to be important because the
counsellors are more looking for insight. Instead of curing the client, this Adlerian
counselling is more towards challenging and influence the client to take risk and
change their behaviour.

Although Adlerian counselling is done in the context of encouraging and supportive

environment, the counselling can be supposed as highly judgemental (George &
Cristiani, XXXX). For example usually at the end of the process, the counsellor
familiarizes the client towards action such as take responsible, taking risk; explore
new behaviour as long as the client reaches their goals.

Corey, Gerald. (2005). Therory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (7th
ed.). Belmont, CA. Brooks/Cole.

Arthur (2009). Adlerian Therapy Retrieved 29th October from

http://www.christiehunter.com/personality/alderian-therapy.htm

Dinkmeyer, D. C., Pew, W. L., Dinkmeyer, Jr., D. C. (1979). ADLERIAN COUNSELING

AND PSYCHOTHERAPY. Monterey, CA. Brooks/Cole.