Running head: INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY TREATMENT PLAN 1
Case Conceptualization and Treatment Plan for Olivia Pope:
Individual Psychology Therapy
Paula M. Harrison-Hill
Liberty University
INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY TREATMENT PLAN 2
Abstract
Individual psychology developed by Alfred Alder, is a noted adaptation from classic
psychoanalysis. Adler’s theory was developed out of his own personal experiences in early
childhood. A sickly boy, he was motivated to overcome his medical setbacks and contribute
positively to the society in which he lived. Adler believed that all humans were born with this
same intrinsic motivation, and although they may find themselves beset by shortcomings, are
able to change. In individual psychology therapy, clients suffering from anxiety, and even
depression are able to learn about their behavioral patterns, discern whether they are useful or
not, and then can use these insights to make changes. Individual psychology is a holistic
therapeutic technique that is applicable with clients in crisis as well. For clients who prefer to
see their mental health problems from a Christian perspective, individual psychology is
compatible with the same beliefs promoted in the Bible, including self-examination and the
command to love all humans as Christ loves us.
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Case Conceptualization: Individual Psychology
Individual psychology is a therapy orientation developed by Alfred Alder in the 19th
century. Also referred to as “Adlerian psychotherapy”, his theory focuses on the development of
personality, human motivation, and the treatment of an individual from a positive, holistic
perspective. Alfred Alder was born in Vienna, Austria to middle-class Jewish parents in 1870,
and was one of six children. The second son of the family, Alfred was born a “sickly, frail child”
who had a vitamin deficiency (rickets), which affected his bone development and hindered his
ability to walk. Adler also had problems with his vocal chords that caused him to have a stutter
(Murdock, 2013). Ansbacher and Ansbacher (1956) and Sollod, Wilson, and Monte (2009) note
that “at age 5, Adler contracted pneumonia and almost died, an experience to which he attributed
his choice to become a physician – he was motivated to overcome death” (as cited in Murdock,
2013, p. 108).
Adler attended medical school and received his degree at age 25. He was a practicing
physician when he began to write his theories on the development of personality in humans.
Adler began writing his theories after observed the social and working conditions of children and
adults he observed in Austria, and had a desire to improve them. Although Adler was a member
of Sigmund Freud’s Vienna Circle, he considered himself an opponent of Sigmund Freud’s view
of psychoanalysis, and did not ascribe to the belief that human behavior, neuroses, or
psychopathology was a result of unconscious drives or urges (Overholser, 2010).
Adler believed that all humans were motivated to improve the human condition because
of a shared social interest, or desire to be one with mankind (DeRobertis, 2011). He viewed the
motivation of human behavior from a very optimistic perspective, and believed that all humans
strive for perfection. Furthermore, Adler emphasized the importance of personal choice and
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responsibility in determining the development of human personality, as opposed to Sigmund
Freud’s view that an individual was a product of unconscious forces and influences.
Furthermore, Adler believed that early experiences in childhood shape how individuals react to
the world once they become adults, referred to as the lifestyle. This belief is similar to John
Bowlby’s attachment theory; “Adlerians believe that the lifestyle is a set of self-governing
strategies for maneuvering through life that evolve early in childhood and remain stable
throughout the lifespan (Peluso, Peluso, Buckner, Kern, & Curlette, 2009, p. 395). Adler also
believed that human motivation to improve the human conditions was also pushed by a need to
overcome personal feelings of inferiority, which every human is born with.
Much like classic psychoanalysis, it has been observed that Adler’s theory is difficult to
test. Some other critiques of this theory are that the terms and definitions of human behavior that
he proposed are not defined well, and the theory provides an idealistically optimistic view of
human nature (Murdock, 2013). However, research has been conducted on the connection
between birth order and development of psychopathology; Depression was the most common
diagnosis among first born patients, followed by anxiety and somatoform disorder (Risal &
Tharoor, 2012). Adler’s theory is much focused on the individual overcoming their feelings of
inferiority, which cause anxiety (neurosis) and depression, and interferes with living a productive
life. Learning of an individual’s lifestyle and family characteristics can allow an individual
psychologist or counselor to evaluate whether their current problems may have stemmed from
their background, or lifestyle choices. Adler proposed that an individual’s inferiority feelings
develop into anxiety because increased insecurity causes unhappiness, which leads to low self-
esteem. Therefore normal successes of life are not enough, but “great successes, concealments,
safeguards, pretenses, and excuses are needed to quiet the deepened inferiority feeling. ‘To be
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more than others’ becomes the goal of their life, or at least to appear to be more’” (Overholser,
2010, p. 356).
It is my opinion that Adler’s theory is appropriate for Olivia because his views on birth
order, striving for superiority, and inferiority feelings provide a possible explanation for the
development of Olivia Pope’s personality over her lifetime, and may explain her current anxiety
and other problems. Adler rationalized that only children who grow up in the company of adults,
do not adjust well to working with their peers, and may be overprotected by their parents. In
addition, he presumed that only children may not prepared to handle social pressures due to
having things made easy for them by their parents. I find this to be on partially true with Olivia;
she did grow up in a slightly sheltered environment which may have inhibited her ability to trust
others, but she also grew up to be a confident woman who has used her instincts to build a
business. Adler also recognized the effects of classism and racism on individual’s view of their
community and themselves; I feel that this is an issue that indirectly affects Olivia as she is an
African-American woman working in a profession and community dominated by upper-class
Caucasian Americans. Overall, I feel that the theory is appropriate for her problems as it
emphasizes the fact that change is possible.
Since many of Olivia’s problems stem from her entanglements with politicians and
complex government conspiracies, she may limit how much she is willing to divulge at the risk
of threatening national security. In addition, as her counselor, I will have to safeguard the
confidentiality of what she discloses; this may cause ethical problems for me if she is at risk of
harming herself or someone else. From a multicultural perspective, Alfred Adler’s theory was
very accommodating to the social issues that affected both of the sexes and different minorities
in his lifetime, which continue to be of issue in 2015. He recognized that women were often
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devalued and placed in stereotypical roles that limited their contributions. Olivia’s position is
just the opposite, although her parents are products of an era that blatantly degraded African-
Americans and women, which may have had some contributions to how her parents chose to
raise her.
Finally, there is research that views individual psychology and crisis theory as
complementary theories that enhance the work to be done with individuals experiencing a
psychological crisis. According to Tedrick and Wachter-Morris (2011),
much of the individual psychology approach is about understanding the client's
worldview, helping the client evaluate what is working and how the current environment
might not support something that previously worked, trying out new ways of being,
connecting with people and the surrounding community, and integrating new insights and
ways of being into one's understanding of self and the world. These tasks are relevant
when reaching out to clients in crisis (p. 375).
Interventions
Olivia Carolyn Pope is the main character and female protagonist of the popular
television drama, Scandal. Olivia is an African-American female lawyer in her late 30’s who is
unmarried and childless. Olivia owns and operates a crisis management firm in Washington,
D.C. – Olivia Pope & Associates. Olivia is revered as the best “fixer” in Washington, D.C.
Olivia is a firm believer in justice, and this has guided the decisions she makes at work. Despite
her professional successes, she has an unstable personal life about which she is very guarded.
Olivia is engaged in an extramarital relationship with the President of the United States that has
been exposed to the world, while also continuing pseudo-relationships with past partners and
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lovers. In addition to her relationship problems, both of Olivia’s parents are involved in illegal
government operations, so she is frequently placed at odds between both of her parents and the
President and his administration. Making matters worse, Olivia has been kidnapped and has had
her life threatened multiple times.
Olivia is experiencing crippling anxiety when at home, away from home, and during
work. She tries to divert this energy into negative behaviors, such as sexual promiscuity and
impulsive decision making. She is also not taking sufficient care of herself. Olivia is overly
involved with more than one man, she overlooks her emotions, and has shut both of her parents
out, which has complicated her personal and professional life, further contributing to her anxiety.
Lastly, because of Olivia’s unmanaged personal problems, her business is losing clientele,
money, and respect because of her involvement with the President. In addition, her employees
and friends are losing faith in her, and she is the object of national ridicule. It is important for
Olivia to resolve her anxiety and re-establish an adaptive routine in order to regain control of her
personal and professional life.
Interpretation
During the process of Adlerian therapy, counselors seek to establish a good relationship
before analyzing and alerting a client to their problematic lifestyle and actions. However, once
an authentic relationship has been formed, the counselor will work with the client to help them
gain insight into their lifestyle and methods of functioning through interpretation. As cited by
Overholser (2010), “the uncovering of the…style of life for the patient is the most important
component of therapy” (Adler, 1956, p.334). By using all of the information I know about
Olivia, I can form an idea about how her lifestyle and choices may have developed, and then
offer my insights about her current behaviors. Based on the unflattering nature of some of her
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actions, such as the sexual promiscuity and impulsivity, I can imagine that this would be very
uncomfortable for Miss Pope. Interpretation is not a technique to be used hastily, but only after a
counselor is sure that a patient is willing to digest what will be said.
Empty Chair
Another technique employed in Adlerian therapy is the empty chair as a way to resolve
conflicts. In this technique, two chairs are set apart from one another. The client sits in one chair
and gives a reason why something is preferred, then moves to the second chair and gives a
reason why the other thing is preferred. The client is instructed to keep giving reasons in each
chair, until she feels finished (Carlson, Watts, & Maniacci, 2006). Olivia has a United States
senator and the President of the United States ready to marry her, as well as a former naval
officer as her live-in boyfriend. Despite their devotion to her, she will not make a commitment
to any of them for unknown reasons. It may be helpful for Olivia to engage in the empty chair as
a way to tease out what may be holding her back from committing to either of the men, and
which of them would make a favorable partner for her, thereby resolving this ongoing conflict.
Pushing the Button
This technique involves a client envisioning a pleasant scene, then a negative scene, and
then to revert back to the pleasant scene, all the while studying their emotions during each
transition. The purpose of the technique is to allow a client to see that they have control of their
emotions by choosing what to focus on (Carlson, Watts, & Maniacci, 2006). Based on what I
know about Olivia’s lifestyle, I have observed that she is goal-oriented and seeks to meet
challenges head on, despite shortcomings, such as the anxiety she experiences. When Olivia
faces anxiety, she usually isolates without warning those around her; she will lay in bed for
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hours, and when she is able to sleep, a flashback will wake her up. Furthermore, if she eats, her
meals consist of popcorn and wine only; she seems to be a slave to her anxiety. By using this
technique, it would be my goal for Olivia to recall pleasant scenes and emotions when she feels
overwhelmed by her anxiety, and refocus her energy on them. The end result would hopefully be
a positive change in her mood and feelings.
Spiritual Application (Phase 1)
Most theories of psychology tend to hold a neutral stance with regard to religion and
spirituality. However, individual psychology, is open towards spiritual issues, as Alfred Adler
viewed an individual’s connection to religion as an indicator of social interest.
There is substantial common ground between the basic assumptions of Christianity and
Individual Psychology as both discuss human functioning from cognitive,
psychodynamic, and systemic perspectives; both conceptualize humans as creative,
holistic, socially oriented, and purpose driven; and both emphasize the equality and
dignity of all human beings (Watts, 2000, p. 320).
The first compatibility between individual psychology and Christianity are that both emphasize
the need to look after the welfare of fellow humans. Romans 13:8 NLT states “Owe nothing to
anyone – except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will
fulfill the requirements of God’s law.” God commanded that we are to live in community with
one another, a concept that is alluded to in Adler’s theory.
A second compatibility of how Adler’s theory aligns with Christianity is how both view
the influence of family dynamics on the development of one’s personality. For example, when
Cain murdered his brother Abel out of selfishness and spite, it resulted in him being cast from
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God’s presence and cursed all of his future descendants. When referencing this back to Adlerian
therapy, Cain’s action does not represent social interest and contradicts God’s commandment to
love; “you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and love your neighbor
as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39 NLT).
The final compaitibilty between individual psychology and Chrisitianity is that both
emphasize the importance of self-examination, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT,
“examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus
Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” Adler’s theory involves
the use of interpretation and insight (self-examination) for client’s to see how their current
behaviors are either hindering or promoting their lifestyle functioning. According to Jones and
Butman (2011), the Bible and individual psychology suggest that insight always leads to
behavioral change. In my research, I did not find any incompatibilities between individual
psychology and Christianity, only plenty of common ground.
Conclusion
Although I feel that individual psychology is a sound theory to use with Olivia, I can
anticipate that resistance will present itself and be a large challenge to helping her overcome the
anxiety that intermittently debilitates her. Establishing a good therapeutic relationship will be
key to getting Olivia to open up and be receptive to the interpretive techniques of individual
psychology. This form of therapy can serve to further increase Olivia’s social interest, while also
decreasing her inferiority feelings and anxiety (DeRobertis, 2011). Individual psychology has
the added benefit of being compatible for clients that prefer a Christian perspective or approach
to handling their mental illnesses (Watts, 2000). Lastly, Overholser (2010) remarks that Alfred
Adler’s theory holds a strong focus on social interest and the gradual improvement of society,
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which continue to be needed in 2015, and to which Olivia has devoted her professional
endeavors.
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References
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