Adlerian therapy

Clinically reviewed by Grow Therapy Clinical Review Team

Adlerian therapy, also known as individual psychology, is a holistic and goal-oriented approach rooted in the belief that individuals are motivated by the desire for social connection and belonging. Adlerian therapy fosters a collaborative relationship between therapist and client to empower individuals to achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and cultivate meaningful connections in their lives.

In this article

What are the origins of Adlerian therapy?

Founded by Australian psychiatrist Alfred Adler, this approach has become the cornerstone of humanistic psychology. It emphasizes viewing people as whole beings, including the impact of our early experiences and how belonging and personal growth shape our actions and relationships.

When is Adlerian therapy used?

Adlerian psychotherapy is known for its versatility, making it a beneficial approach for adults, children, groups, and families. One of the benefits of Adlerian therapy is its holistic perspective, which considers the concept of “holism,” or the person as a whole, rather than narrowing in on specific symptoms. For this reason, Adlerian therapy is effective in addressing a number of mental health issues, including:

How does Adlerian therapy work?

Unlike Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis, which primarily examines unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, Adlerian therapy focuses on social context, personal growth, and goal-directed behavior. While both consider early life experiences, Adlerian therapy places greater emphasis on conscious choices, social belonging, and resilience.

This approach provides a foundation for recognizing the importance of social context in an individual’s life, particularly in the way they relate to others and their community. As a result, it guides individuals to learn about themselves and how certain beliefs shape their actions, motivations, and relationships.

Adlerian therapy also focuses on the idea that human beings are all interconnected. With this, building positive relationships and feeling a sense of belonging is central to improving our mental health and well-being. Setting clear and achievable goals allows us to explore pathways for overcoming obstacles, strengthening our resources, and building resilience to continue thriving beyond the therapeutic space.

Ultimately, Adlerian theory seeks to discover the whole you, emphasizing personal growth, social interests, and the importance of connectedness.

What is Adlerian therapy like?

In the early stages of therapy, you might expect your Adlerian therapist to collaborate with you on practical ways of fostering change in areas you desire. Common interventions or exercises used throughout therapy include:

Goal-setting – Collaborative development of clear, realistic goals that align with personal values and motivate growth and healing
Role-playing – Engaging in simulated scenarios to practice new behaviors and gain new perspectives
Encouragement techniques – Used to help individuals identify and combat discouraging cognitions and instead focus on strengths and resources
Reframing or reorientation – Shifting one’s perspective on challenges or negative thought patterns to create more realistic and constructive thinking
Acting “as if” – Adopting behaviors or attitudes aligning with the person you desire to become
Push button technique – Visualization of two buttons (negative and positive) used to shift focus and gain a sense of control over your emotional reactions .

Adlerian therapy shares several interventions with behavioral therapy, such as goal-setting and role-playing, but uniquely emphasizes social connectedness and self-discovery.

How long does Adlerian therapy take?

Adlerian therapy typically lasts between 8 to 12 sessions, with clients attending on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Is Adlerian therapy effective?

Adlerian therapy is an evidence-based and effective approach. A 2021 study highlights the efficacy of Adlerian therapy across several domains:

Adlerian play therapy (AdPT) is a validated approach that is shown to create significant improvements in children’s behavior and focus
Adlerian parenting programs demonstrated efficacy in fostering authoritative parenting styles and reducing corporal punishment within minority populations
Adlerian family therapy is shown to support communication skills, enhance respect, and improve stability within the home environment
Adlerian techniques are proven to be effective in helping resistant clients engage with treatment by aligning therapeutic goals with client values to promote autonomy

Another recent study found that Adlerian group counseling is beneficial for encouraging people to both understand their life goals and work towards achieving them. It has also been demonstrated to be effective in improving individuals’ ability to handle relationships and stressful situations by helping to improve emotional skills, tolerance for adversity, and adaptability to new situations.

How to find an Adlerian therapist

If you think Adlerian therapy might be right for you, it’s important to speak with a licensed and experienced clinician. There are many types of mental health care providers who practice Adlerian therapy, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and more.

When selecting an Adlerian therapist, consider additional areas of expertise that align with your needs. For instance, individuals with PTSD may benefit from a therapist trained in trauma-focused care alongside Adlerian techniques. In addition, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can make therapy much more affordable.

You can find a therapist who accepts your insurance and specializes in Adlerian therapy by using Grow Therapy. After filtering for your location, insurance, and needs, you can then select “Adlerian” from the “Treatment methods” drop-down.

Next up in A Guide to Types of Therapy

Attachment-based therapy

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This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.