Adlerian marriage therapy

Abstract

Abstract This article describes the assumptions, processes, and techniques used in Adlerian (Adler, 1927) marriage therapy. Two modalities for influencing a marriage are therapy and education (Dinkmeyer&Carlson, 1984a). Adlerians use both in their treatment programs. Usually training or education is stressed before therapy, but often both are used. Effective mental health workers need to be prepared to provide what is needed and to be able to work in both areas. This is a relatively new area, as couples have often been bypassed or worked around in treatment. The concepts and marital processes presented are based upon the tenets of Adlerian Psychology, principles that are particularly useful in working with marriages and families (Dinkmeyer et al., 1987).