Psychiatrists in Massachusetts

In the framework of Adlerian therapy, people are motivated by a sense of belonging and community, which drives them to surmount feelings of inferiority so as to contribute to their society; fulfilling these desires can help people flourish. Adlerian therapy proceeds in four stages—engagement, assessment, insight, and reorientation—in an overall effort to understand the client’s past and to achieve their present-day humanistic goals.

Yes, Adlerian psychology is humanistic; it focuses on the whole person, emphasizes their strengths rather than just their symptoms, and centers them in determining how they can grow and flourish. This school of thought informed the work of Abraham Maslow, who went on to develop humanistic psychology.

Adlerian therapy is a short-term, goal-oriented form of therapy that takes around 15 to 20 weekly sessions. Of course, some people may be in therapy for a shorter or longer time frame; length depends on the individual and the problem or condition they wish to treat. Clients can ask their therapist about the timeline for treatment before they begin and check in periodically to ensure that they’re on the same page in terms of progress.

There is not as much evidence to support the effectiveness of Adlerian therapy as there is for other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. But Adlerian therapy may be the right therapy for some people—whether they’re seeking to treat mental disorders or achieve self-growth—especially those looking for a holistic approach that emphasizes relationships, community, self-worth, and purpose.