Finding Purpose and Belonging
Adlerian therapy, founded by Alfred Adler, is a growth-oriented approach that focuses on overcoming feelings of inferiority and developing social interest. It emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and contributing to society. By understanding your unique lifestyle patterns, early memories, and family dynamics, you can redirect your life toward more fulfilling goals and deeper connections with others.
Alfred Adler was a pioneering psychiatrist who believed that human behavior is driven by our desire to belong and to feel significant. Unlike Freud, who focused on the past and unconscious drives, Adler emphasized our capacity for growth, choice, and social connection. Adlerian therapy sees people as whole, creative beings who are constantly moving toward goals—though sometimes those goals are mistaken or self-defeating. By understanding your unique "lifestyle" (your characteristic way of thinking, feeling, and behaving), you can make conscious choices to live more fully and contribute to the wellbeing of others.
Adlerian Therapy has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health challenges:
Before beginning therapy, you and your therapist will discuss your personal objectives. Common goals include:
Adlerian therapy is collaborative and egalitarian—your therapist works alongside you as a partner, not as an authority figure. Sessions typically involve exploring your life history, family dynamics, and current challenges to understand the patterns that shape your behavior.
Your therapist creates a warm, encouraging atmosphere based on mutual respect. Adlerian therapists believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for growth and change.
Through exploring your family constellation, birth order, early memories, and recurring patterns, your therapist helps you understand your unique "lifestyle"—the lens through which you see yourself, others, and the world.
Together, you examine how your lifestyle may be contributing to current difficulties. You explore the private logic (personal beliefs and assumptions) that guides your behavior, including any mistaken beliefs.
With new understanding, you work on developing more helpful beliefs and behaviors. This includes setting meaningful goals, building social interest, and finding ways to contribute to your community.
Your therapist may use various approaches during your sessions. These techniques work together to help you gain insight and make positive changes:
Exploring your earliest memories reveals core beliefs about yourself, others, and life. These memories—whether accurate or not—reflect your current outlook and can illuminate patterns you want to change.
Examining your position in your family (birth order, family atmosphere, sibling relationships) helps you understand how early dynamics shaped your personality and worldview.
"How would your life be different if you didn't have this problem?" This classic Adlerian technique helps clarify what purpose the problem might be serving and what you truly want.
A cornerstone of Adlerian therapy, encouragement focuses on effort and improvement rather than perfection. It builds courage to face life's challenges and overcome discouragement.
Practicing new behaviors as if you already had the confidence or skill you desire. This helps break old patterns and builds new capabilities through action.
Learning to notice when you're about to fall into old, unhelpful patterns—and choosing a different response instead.
Collaboratively setting small, achievable tasks between sessions that move you toward your goals and build a sense of competence and contribution.
Adlerian therapy has influenced many modern therapeutic approaches and has a strong evidence base, particularly for issues related to self-esteem, family dynamics, and social connection. Research shows it is effective for depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. The emphasis on encouragement and social interest makes it particularly helpful for those feeling isolated or purposeless. Many people appreciate its positive, growth-oriented focus and the practical strategies for making meaningful life changes.
This therapeutic approach can provide many advantages:
Adlerian therapy is typically a shorter-term approach, though the length depends on your specific goals and needs.
Adlerian principles are also widely used in parenting education, school counseling, and organizational development. The skills and insights you gain in therapy can be applied throughout your life.
While therapy is a safe and supportive process, there are some things to keep in mind:
Adlerian therapy is generally considered safe and suitable for most people. The encouraging, collaborative approach creates a supportive environment for growth. If exploring your past or family dynamics brings up overwhelming emotions, your therapist will help you process them at a pace that feels manageable. Remember, the goal is empowerment and building courage—not dwelling on problems, but moving toward solutions and meaningful connection.
Different therapeutic approaches work better for different people and situations. Explore these other evidence-based therapies:
Change negative thought patterns to improve your emotions and behaviors.
Balance acceptance and change while building emotional regulation skills.
Explore unconscious patterns and past experiences to understand present behavior.
Focus on present-moment awareness and personal responsibility.
Get 24/7 mental health support powered by artificial intelligence.
Enhance your mental health journey with these evidence-based tools and resources available on Wellzy:
Calm your nervous system with guided breathing techniques like 4-7-8 and box breathing.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation with our meditation sessions.
Process your thoughts and emotions through therapeutic writing.
Monitor your emotional patterns and identify triggers over time.
Cultivate positivity with our interactive gratitude bingo game.
Talk to our AI companion anytime for immediate emotional support.
Whether you're curious about Adlerian Therapy or just need someone to talk to, our AI companion is here to help 24/7.