EDCO 715 Week 2 Discussion Board
Compare and contrast the two therapies.
Adlerian and Psychoanalytic therapy are cohesive in their own regard. They present as
having similar modalities with a different approach. Psychoanalytic treatment is geared towards
an individual's biological and sexual development, while Adlerian therapy approaches the client
from a psychological perspective. According to Tan (2022), “Freud’s view of human nature was
mainly pessimistic and at best somewhat neutral. It was also a deterministic view, in which
human actions or behaviors are understood as caused by irrational forces, mainly unconscious,
called “drives or instincts.” These innate instincts evolve through several stages of psychosexual
development in a person’s childhood” (p. 39). On the other hand, the Adlerian model of therapy
is not as pessimistic and deterministic. The Adlerian perspective on human nature was more
optimistic, giving humans the autonomy to make choices and accept responsibility for their lives
and goals (Tan, 2011, 2022, p. 65). Psychoanalytic is the view of human nature, whereas Adler
states humans are motivated by social interest and have a desire for belonging.
What are some of their strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths of psychoanalytic therapy are deep exploration of the unconscious conflicts
individuals are able to resolve and uncover hidden motives and childhood issues, influential
foundation that shaped moderna psychology and inspired many therapies such as Adler, Carl
Jung object relation theory, and attachment theory. Weakness are; Deterministic,
overemphasizes childhood and unconscious drives, minimizing free will and present/future
growth. It is considered to lengthy and costly which can take several years for the client achieve
their desired goals of wholeness. Psychanalytic theory lacks empirical support; Some core ideas
(Oedipus complex, psychosexual stages) are difficult to scientifically test. There are several
other weakness connected to this theory, such as not being suited for those who are in a crisis
and being much better suited for those who are articulate, introspective. In assessing Adlerian
theory’s strengths, which fares better in supporting clients in achieving wholeness? Adlerian
theory is considered to be, optimistic and empowering, emphasizing free will, purpose, and the
ability to change mistaken beliefs. Holistic and social, it considers family, community, and social
interest as essential to well-being. Practical and brief, techniques are action-oriented and
adaptable, such as roleplaying, encouragement. Future-oriented, helps clients set meaningful
goals rather than dwell excessively on the past. Widely applicable, useful for individuals,
families, schools, and group counseling. Birth order and lifestyle assessment offer unique
insights into personality and relational dynamics. The weaknesses within the Adlerian theory
are recognized as requiring motivation by the clients. The clients must be willing to take
responsibility for their lifestyle change. Adlerian theory is unable to address the unconscious
mind and oversimplifies the family influence. When considering two theories, it is essential to
consider their background as stated above. According to Hale (2024), psychoanalytic theory and
Adlerian theory center around several key principles. Psychoanalytic theory recognizes the
unconscious mind, while the
Adlerian theory does not address the client's unconscious mind.
Which therapy would lend itself to Biblical integration?
From this writer’s perspective, Adler would be the closest to biblical integration according to
Tan (2024), “ Adler believed humans are goal directed, which parallels the Biblical teaching that
we are created with God-given purpose (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10). Social
interest/community. Adler emphasized the client belonging and contributing to others, which
aligns with the biblical view of fellowship, the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12), and love of
neighbor. A core Adlerian technique is in line with Biblical exhortation to “encourage one
another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Adler believed people can choose to
change mistaken beliefs and resonate with the Biblical call to “be transformed by the renewing
of your mind” (Romans 12:2) (p. 79).
What are some multicultural aspects to consider?
When considering the multicultural aspects the counselor must understand the clients
worldview and beliefs of their upbringing. Culture is not based only on the client’s ethic
background but is related to all areas of the client’s life. i.e. what type of environment did the
client develop in? What is the client socioeconomic status? What traditions does the client
practice (Christian, Hinduism, Muslim, Jewish.). The counselor must also understand the
environment the client experienced as a child such as were they raised by passive, authoritative,
or authoritarian caregivers. It is important for client to receive the appropriate therapy by being
assess through observation and open-ended questions.
End your post with a lingering question for each of these therapies.
Psychoanalytic therapy does not address the neurological changes the brain experiences
through the unconscious. In what way can a therapist help the client apply neurological
change in assisting their client? The Bible speaks of being transformed by the renewing of
your mind. (Romans 12:2) This involves restructuring of the neuro pathways. Adlerian
therapist are considered to use a holistic and humanistic approach focusing on early life
experiences. What is the best way to address a client who struggles with Boarder line
personality disorder (BPD)? When the client presents with two distinct personalities that
oscillates?
References
Adleryan, K. D. (2024). Evidence-Based Individual Psychology Practice:. Journal of
Rehabilitation, 258-270.
Hale, S. (2024). Psychoanalytic Theory vs. Adlerian Theory: A Comparative Study. Peer
reviewd, 3.
Martin Tarzian 1, M. N. (2025). An Introduction and Brief Overview of Psychoanalysis.
National Libary of Medicine , 1-19.
Tan, S.-Y. (2011,2022). Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective. Grand Rapids,
Michigan: Baker Academic.
