Solution Focused Brief Therapy: Adlerian Therapy

Summary

Adlerian therapy has a distinct influence on different therapies such as, existential therapy, person centered therapy, rational emotive therapy, cognitive therapy, and family systems therapy. This article explains the striking resemblance of Adlerian therapy to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. There is an emphasis placed on encouragement in the Adlerian therapy that is similar to Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Adlerian therapy is commonly found in a plethora of current therapeutic approaches under a different name. Adler was not given the credit that was due to him in many of these approaches.
According to the article, in Adlerian therapy, a therapist's ability to encourage and instill hope in a client is key. The

These techniques include showing concern for clients through active listening and empathy, showing respect for and confidence in clients, focusing on client’s strong points and positive traits, resources, replacing discouraging thoughts with encouraging ones, and helping clients to develop a sense of humor about life. (Watts & Pietrzak,2000,p 443) Another method, as mentioned earlier is building a strong rapport with the client. Therapists use a variety of techniques to facilitate change in the client’s behavior. Therapists help clients to choose alternative behaviors to the behaviors that are maladaptive. The next method is getting the client to change how he or she views a situation. This is done inside and outside of counseling. Through this technique a client comes to realize their abilities and strengths. Last but not least, therapists help clients draw on their resources and strengths when faced with a situation that seems troublesome. (Watts & Pietrzak,2000,p

SFBT focuses on solution/success and not the problem/failure. Both therapies avoid using the medical model. In these two therapies the patient is not viewed as sick. Building a strong and solid relationship with the client is salient in both therapies. This article mentioned a lot about changing a client’s distorted thinking and how that will hopefully impact behavior. Some other theoretical concepts include: empathic listening;non judgemental acceptance; demonstrating respect for the clients and establishing a cooperative and equal relationship with the client. Counselors must also exhibit faith and confidence in the client. Clients are viewed as the “decision makers”. As counselors we are to help the client discover their strengths and resources that they may develop or may already be internal. (Watts & Pietrzak, 2000,