Dale - Adlerian Theory Presenting Problem: Dale is a 52-year-old white male prison guard in Arizona. He has been referred to counseling due to his involvement in multiple verbal and physical altercations with inmates, which have been triggered by his use of racist language. Despite his reluctance and belief that he does not need to change, Dale has attended the initial counseling session to meet a condition for continued employment. His history includes being terminated from a police force due to racial profiling, working as a bouncer, and then joining the prison system. Dale has two marriages behind him, characterized by significant relationship issues and strained connections with family members. His views are strongly influenced by his background …show more content…
His authoritarian father and the rural, patriarchal family atmosphere instilled in him a rigid sense of traditional gender roles. Dale has likely internalized these early messages, leading to his low social interest and maladaptive lifestyle patterns, particularly in his relationships with women and minorities. Dale’s aggressive behavior and racist remarks may reflect his struggle with feelings of inferiority and a misguided attempt to assert control and superiority over others. Goal: According to Dufrene and Clark (2022), the goal of Adlerian therapy is to capture the essence of the individual, including their environment and interactions, to holistically help the client apply constructive ideas to their personal lifestyle. This approach aims to foster a sense of purpose and genuine social interest. In Dale’s case, the objective is to use insights from his past to identify and alter maladaptive patterns and guide him towards healthier choices. This approach aims to promote personal growth and a better alignment with societal values and norms (Psychotherapy.net,