Individual Psychology Case Study

The Application of Individual Psychology to the Case of Ana
Individual Psychology Overview
Individual psychology was discovered by Alfred Adler who named his theory as such to emphasize the holistic perspective. Adler’s theory holds that conscious aspects of behavior are central to the development of personality. A major tenet of the theory is that individuals strive to become successful, the best that they can be. This theory places a lot of emphasis on the birth order. It is believed that birth order is not just the simple biological ordinal position; born first, second, third. To the contrary it is a second system of birth order of youngest child, oldest child, middle child, determining an individual’s psychological position. He believed

This can focus on educating individuals, or reeducating them about what holistic living is, as well as helping them overcome their feelings of inferiority. A faulty style of life that must be made holistic is that of self-centeredness and is based on mistaken goals and incorrect assumptions that are associated with feelings of inferiority (Gladding, 2005; Murdock, 2013). To better convey the goals of this theory and Ana, her case study will be as an example. In this theory clients can suffer from feelings of inferiority such as those from neglect from parents or setting high unrealistic goals. Ana’s goals should be attainable and include reframing her beliefs, attitudes, and lifestyle choices that are maladaptive such as her stated feelings of hopelessness, worry, and inferiority to others such as her

With the four-stage process of treatment including establishing a therapeutic relationship, performing an assessment, promoting insight, and reorienting this treatment can last from eight sessions to six months of therapy. Ana has displayed willingness to commit to eight sessions of treatment that have already been authorized by her insurance company.
Counselor’s Role Within the individual psychology relationship the counselor has several roles that they hold. The counselor establishes an egalitarian relationship, working as teachers in their relationships. They model, teach, and assess areas of the client’s life such as how Ana grew up the middle child and her ways of responding and functioning. The counselor’s role is also to direct and encourage Ana, being warm and human, and admitting their own mistakes when necessary (Gladding, 2005; Murdock, 2013).
Client’s Role While participating in individual psychology Ana will play a role as well. In this case Ana will explore concepts about herself and life. Ana will also work on discovering the purpose of her behavior and how to correct faulty assumptions and conclusions. These would include her beliefs that are causing her anxiety and worry and her idea that she is inferior to her siblings who she has stated all have professional careers (Gladding, 2005, Murdock,