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Alfred Adler died in 1937 having created a personality theory and approach to counseling so_far ahead of his time that many contemporary approaches have "discovered" many of Adler fundamental conclusions, often without recognition of his vision and influence. Many students, educators, and practitioners may view the Adlerian approach as an antiquated model; that is, one having limited utility in contemporary practice. This paper briefly overviews some, fundamental tenets of Adlerian counseling and psychotherapy and discusses the contemporary viability of the approach.
"Alfred Adler, more than even Freud, is probably the true father of modem psychotherapy."
The above quote by Ellis (1970) is indicative of the prophetic vision and significant influence of Alfred Adler regarding contemporary approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. Corey (1996), in agreement with Ellis (1970), stated that Adler's most important contribution to the field of counseling and psychotherapy was his influence on other systems. Adler's influence has been acknowledged and his vision traced to neo-Freudian approaches (e.g., Ansbacher & Ansbacher, 1979; Ellenberger, 1970), existential therapy (e.g., Frankl, 1963, 1970; May 1970, 1989), person-centered therapy (e.g., Ansbacher, 1990; Watts, 1998), rational-emotive therapy (e.g., Dryden & Ellis, 1987; Ellis, 1970, 1973, 1989), cognitive therapy (e.g., Beck, 1976; Beck & Weishaar, 1989; Dowd & Kelly, 1980; Freeman, 1981, 1993; Freeman & Urschel, 1997; Raimy, 1975; Sperry, 1997), reality therapy (e.g., Glasser, 1984; Whitehouse, 1984; Wubbolding, 1993), family systems approaches (e.g., Broderick & Schrader, 1991; Carich & Willingham, 1987; Kern, Hawes, & Christensen, 1989; Nichols & Schwartz, 1995; Sherman, 1999; Sherman & Dinkmeyer, 1987), and critical constructivist and social constructionist perspectives (Carlson & Sperry, 1998; Jones, 1995; Jones & Lyddon, 1997; Master, 1991; Schneider & Stone, 1998; Shulman & Watts, 1997; Watts, 1999; Watts & Critelli, 1997; Watts & Pietrzak, in press).
Whereas Adler's theory has been influential, the question remains, "so what?" In other words, is Adlerian counseling useful for today? The propose of this article is to introduce the reader to some fundamental tenets of Adlerian counseling and psychotherapy, and then briefly demonstrate the viability of the approach for helping clients in contemporary society.
THE ADLERIAN APPROACH A BRIEF OVERVIEW
Adlerian theory, also called Individual Psychology, is a relational psychology which provides an integrative base for cognitive, psychodynamic, systemic perspectives. According to...