Adlerian family therapy

Abstract

Abstract Adlerian Family Therapy emerges from the theory and practice of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs. The Adlerian assumption about the purposive nature of behavior, its social meaning, and how to resolve conflict are set forth. Each of the assumptions is illustrated with examples from the authors' family therapy cases. The competencies basic to Adlerian therapy—including influencing psychological movement, working with the family communication system, focusing on the real issue, aligning goals and dealing with resistance, stimulating social interest, encouragement, tentative hypotheses and antisuggestion—are set forth. A specific, pragmatic process for helping the family move towards change is presented.