Photo of Erica Thiessen, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 94596, CA
Erica Thiessen
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Walnut Creek, CA 94596  (Online Only)
Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.
Life gets tangled up; it doesn’t have to stay that way. You may be wrestling with emotional ups and downs, life transitions, grief and loss, or strained family dynamics. You could be exploring future options, challenges from the past, or integrating life experiences into your personal or spiritual framework. Whether preparing for adulthood or navigating life's myriad of challenges, my clients are looking for a safe and empathetic space in which to unravel patterns and perspectives. They are seeking to develop a stronger sense of their own strengths and abilities with which to navigate life’s journey.
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Adlerian Therapists

How does Adlerian psychology work?

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.

Is Adlerian therapy humanistic?

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.

How long does Adlerian therapy take?

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.

Is Adlerian therapy evidence based?

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.