Introduction

Adlerian Psychology is developed by an Austrian psychiatrist, Alfred Adler. It is a holistic

approach that emphasizes the importance of social connections, community, and the individual’s
sense of belonging. It is rooted in the belief that human behaviour is not shaped by biology or
unconscious drives, as suggested by other therapeutic modalities, but is significantly influenced
by social factors and the pursuit of personal goals. Hence, it is also known as Individual
Psychology.

The main ideas of Adlerian counselling are as follows:-

1. Holistic Perspective: Adlerian counsellors view how an individual’s thoughts, feelings,
and behaviours are all connected and influenced by their social environment.
2. Social Interest: One of the important concepts of Adlerian therapy is the concept of
caring about others. In other words, social interest refers to an individual’s sense of
relationship with others and their role within the community. Adlerian counsellors
encourage clients to develop and cultivate empathy, cooperation, and a sense of
contribution to improve their well-being and sense of belonging.
3. Lifestyle and Goals: So over here, Adlerian counsellors help clients explore their unique
lifestyle, patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that have developed over time, and
how these might be contributing to their current challenges.
4. Birth Order and Family Dynamics: Adlerian counsellors look at how clients family
dynamics, including birth order and parents influence, have shaped their personalities and
behaviours. Understanding these factors can help clients gain insights into their
behaviours and relationships.
5. Empowerment and Responsibility: The Adlerian modality encourages personal
responsibility and empowers clients to make constructive changes in their lives. In other
words, Adlerian counsellors encourage clients to take control of their lives, recognize
their strengths, and make positive changes.
Overall, Adlerian counselling aims to help you develop self-awareness, improve your
relationships, and find a sense of purpose and belonging. It is an impactful approach to personal
development and psychological growth.

Case study:
Client profile
Name: Pooja
Age: 25 years
Gender: Female
Occupation: Marketing Graphic Designer

Background: Pooja grew up in a middle-class family, and she was the youngest of three siblings.
Throughout her childhood, her parents constantly emphasized the need for achievement and
success. More often than not she felt overshadowed by her older siblings’ accomplishments.
Pooja also struggles with feelings of inferiority and critically compares herself to those around
her especially her siblings and colleagues regularly.
She presents with symptoms of anxiety and low self-esteem, particularly in social situations and
at work.

Presenting Concerns:
- Constant anxiousness, mainly regarding work (e.g., meetings presentations)
- Feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem
- Resistance to create close relationships caused by a fear of being judged
- withdrawing from social situations as a result of overanalysing social interactions.

Case conceptualization

1. Inferiority Complex
The feeling of inferiority might be coming from Pooja’s childhood experiences where she felt
overshadowed by her siblings success. Adler said that feelings of inferiority motivate individuals
to achieve success but in Pooja’s case, these feelings have been showcased as Anxiety and low
self-esteem. Constant comparison to her siblings and colleagues suggests that she may look at
their achievements as a threat to her self-worth.

2. Striving for Superiority

It seems that Pooja’s work as a graphic designer gives an indication of her creative pursuit that
could allow her to express her individuality and potential. In the process of expressing her
potential, however, her anxiety and low self esteem may play a role of hindrance in her ability to
pursue her goals fully. Although, in Adlerian terms, striving for Superiority should be viewed
positively as a drive to overcome one’s perceived weakness yet Pooja may need some support in
reframing her striving from a competitive context to a self – improvement context.

3. Social interest
Adler highlighted the significance of social interest, or the sense of belonging and positive
contribution to society. Pooja’s difficulties in social settings raise the possibility that her social
interest may be inactive. Improving her social skills and fostering wholesome interactions might
boost her confidence and lower her anxiety. Pooja’s sense of belonging and mental health may
both benefit by being encouraged to participate in group activities or team initiatives.

4. Family Dynamics
Pooja’s familial background is necessary for understanding her actions. She may have
internalised the idea that self-worth is correlated with accomplishments as a result of growing up
in a competitive setting that placed an emphasis on achievement. In therapy, it might be very
important to examine her family dynamics and how her self-perception was affected by her
parents’ expectations. She might have to build self-acceptance and recognise her worth beyond
her accomplishments.

5. Lifestyle and Cognition

Adlerian counselling focuses on an individual’s lifestyle which includes clients’ attitudes,
behaviour, and beliefs.
Pooja’s self-comparison and incompetence may contribute to ineffective coping mechanisms
such as Anxiety and low-self esteem. Shifting her perspective from negative to positive beliefs
and encouraging her to create a good self image.

Exploration:
Beliefs and Attitudes
I would like to explore Pooja’s self-perceptions when compared to those of her siblings and
colleagues. What particular self-perceptions does she have, and how do these perceptions impact
her emotional state?
Patterns of Comparison: Explore the type of analogies she makes: are they helpful or harmful?
What effect do they have on her self-esteem and motivation?

Identifying Strengths
So over here, the focus would be on helping Pooja identify her unique strengths, such as her
skills, talents, and accomplishments. Then, trying to help her figure out, what does she enjoy
about her work as a graphic designer? This might serve as a foundation for building her self-
esteem. May be also helping her to look back into her past life and explore when she has felt
competent or successful, whether it was small or big; that doesn’t matter. This might help her
recognize her capabilities and will encourage her.

Social Relationships
Present Relationships: Explore the quality of her present professional and interpersonal
relationships. How does she feel about these interactions? Do her relationships foster
competition or support?
Social Experiences: Explore those instances that set off her social anxiety. Does she get more
anxious in certain situations (like group meetings or networking events)?

Goal setting and Vision for the future

Goal setting
Collaboratively setting personal as well as professional goals that will help Pooja to reflect her
values, which will help her on personal journey and achievements in career.
Vision for the Future
Exploring what image she has of success and fulfilment, beyond her family and social
expectations.

Counsellor Goals
 1. Enhance self awareness
Helping Pooja identify and express her feelings of inferiority and the beliefs that contribute to
her low self-esteem.

2. Reframe Comparison
Pooja’s habit of comparing herself with her siblings and colleagues also results in her low self-
esteem.
She thinks that others are performing well, and she is not productive in comparison to them. So
helping her to focus on her personal growth and accomplishments rather than looking at others
and comparing. Thus, reframing comparisons might help her.

3. Develop Social Skills and Social Interest.

Intervention: Behavioural Techniques and Group Activities.
Action Steps: So we thought that creating role-playing scenarios for Pooja to practice
responding to various social situations might allow her to connect with others. Another thing
would be encouraging her to join a community group or could be workshop aligned with her
interests, such as a design club or creative workshop to build connections. Setting specific and
achievable social goals for her like initiating a conversation with a colleague or attending a
networking event can be small steps to develop social interest.

4. Identifying Strengths
Encourage Pooja to boost her confidence by acknowledging and celebrating her distinctive skills
and accomplishments.

5. Implement coping strategies

To reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem, we can come up with flexible coping strategies like
mindfulness or positive affirmations.

6. Promote Self- Compassion: Since she has a habit of comparing herself with her siblings
and colleagues. This may be an indicator of how she treats herself. She may be lacking
self compassion towards her self or may be dealing harshly with her self. So we can
 encourage Pooja to practice self compassion and challenge her negative self-talk by
‘Catching Oneself’ to foster a healthier self image.

Plan of action
1. Enhance Self-Awareness
Intervention: Reflective Listening and Guided Exploration
Action plan: Set up regular sessions to talk about Pooja’s negative self-perceptions and
inferiority complex.
Encourage her to delve deeply into her feelings and ideas by asking open-ended questions.
(subjective interview)
Include writing exercises like journaling in which she considers her everyday experiences and
pinpoints triggers associated with her self-perception.

2. Reframe Comparisons
Intervention: Acting ‘As if’
Action Steps:
Giving Pooja a brief idea of the technique acting As if. That is encouraging her to act as a self
confident and unaffected by social comparisons.
Using Role play
Practicing acting as if in a role play setting to build up Pooja’s confidence. So that she can
practice it better in social Interactions
Doing role play techniques to help her view situations in more positive ways. Strengthening the
practice of reframing in sessions.

3. Develop Social Skills and Social Interest

Intervention: Task setting and Commitment
Action Plan: Counsellor and Client devise a plan together small achievable goals such as
Practice Conversations: Role-play social interactions in a safe space to build confidence.
Volunteer: Find opportunities to volunteer in a community organization, which can enhance
feelings of connection and contribution.
Attend Social Events: Plan to attend a social event with a support person for encouragement
If it’s not met we can evaluate what went wrong and what can be changed.

4. Identifying Strengths
Intervention: Assets
Action Plan: focusing on what’s right with the client, help Pooja recognise her strengths, positive
traits, skills like she is good with communication, is dedicated, hardworking, caring, creative and
more. So that can also help in countering discouragement.

5. Implement Coping strategies

Intervention: Push Button technique, Creating images
Action Plan: using ‘creating images’ Counsellor encourages Pooja to visualize positive scenarios
that can promote relaxation, self-confidence, or coping with difficult situations.

6. Promote Self-Compassion
Intervention: Catching Oneself and Socratic Questioning
Action Plan: Introduce the concept of self-compassion through psychoeducation, explaining its
importance in personal growth and mental well-being. Explaining that she should try to ‘catch
themselves’ indulging in negative self talk and that it helps build conscious control over the
action gradually.
Socratic Questioning- using thoughtful questioning to allow Pooja to logically examine her
views which can allow insight and encourage her to overcome her negative thinking.

Shortcomings
1. Focus on Social Interest
Adlerian counselling shows social interest as a fundamental indicator of mental well being. If
Pooja has a difficulty bonding with her peers, or experiences loneliness interventions which aims
towards improving social interest might not effectively target her root problems.
2. Potential Overemphasis on Early Childhood
Adlerian therapy aims towards exploring experiences from childhood. Even though this can be
beneficial, but this approach might not take into account the present situation factors or traumas
which is affecting Pooja’s feelings of inferiority and anxiety
3. Limited Techniques for severe anxiety
If Pooja is experiencing intense anxiety or poor self-esteem, she may need more focused
Cognitive behavioural Techniques or interventions which will help her to give relief
immediately, instead of the more general approach of Adlerian counselling
4. Dependency on Client Participation
It is very important that client should be willing to engage in self reflection and personal growth.
We cannot force the client if the client is unwilling to do so. Adlerian therapy also relies heavily
on the client’s willingness to engage in self -reflection and personal growth. Now over here, if
Pooja is resistant to this process or she lacks motivation then the progress of dependency on
herself may be limited.
5. Time-Intensive Process
Adlerian counselling can be time-consuming because it doesn’t aim at solving the issue but aims
at finding out the strength of the client, as it often requires building a strong therapeutic alliance
and engaging in in-depth exploration of beliefs and values. Pooja might benefit from more
immediate strategies in crisis situations.

Conclusions:
The implementation of an Adlerian counselling approach with Pooja is expected to yield several
positive outcomes in her personal development, social interactions, and emotional well-being.
Key anticipated results include:

Enhanced Self-Awareness: Pooja may gain insight into her beliefs and motivations, leading to
greater self-acceptance through journaling and lifestyle assessments.

Reframed Comparisons: By challenging negative self-talk, she could improve her self-esteem
and develop a balanced view of her abilities.

Development of Social Skills: Participation in role-playing and social activities may boost
Pooja’s confidence and communication skills, encouraging social engagement and a stronger
support network.
Identification of Strengths: Through strengths inventories and accomplishment journals, Pooja
might recognize her unique attributes, empowering her to utilize these strengths in daily life.

Implementation of Coping Strategies: Mindfulness and coping strategies could help Pooja
manage anxiety effectively, improve her resilience, and foster emotional balance.

Promotion of Self-Compassion: Self-compassion exercises may lead to increased kindness

towards herself and reduced feelings of shame.

Improved Psychological Well-Being: With enhanced self-awareness and coping strategies, Pooja
may experience greater emotional stability and life satisfaction.

Greater Sense of Agency: The counselling process may empower Pooja to take control of her life
and decisions.

In conclusion, Adlerian counselling can significantly improve Pooja’s self-awareness, self-

acceptance, social skills, and overall emotional health, contributing to her psychological
resilience and life satisfaction. However, success will depend on her active engagement and the
quality of the therapeutic relationship

Individual Personal Experiences

Sukhdeo - My personal experience on group assignment: I had a wonderful opportunity to work
in a group of three, namely, Gabriella and Divya, for the assignment of CT. Here is a glimpse of
my journey with the group. First of all, I was really happy to be with my present team members.
This created enthusiasm and joy in me to work seriously on my assignment. I experienced full
cooperation and contribution from both of them. I didn’t have any problem in terms of coming
together for the discussion. Though coming together at 2 pm was not an easy one, we always
assembled happily for the discussion. I found it easy to work with my team members. Yes, there
were some moments when I felt discouraged, saying that was how the presentation would be,
and my team members would tell me, Don’t worry, it is going to be best for we are putting our
efforts into it, and that is how my low spirit was heightened. I felt that working in a group has
also led me to understand my team members in a better way. I can relate to them more freely. I
learned that new ideas are born in a creative way in the group discussions and work. A lot of new
insights, knowledge, and a better understanding of the theory have come to me through this
group work. Overall, it was an informative and new experience for me working with my team
members, and I was happy and satisfied.

Gavriella – My personal experience

It was a rollercoaster of emotions doing this assignment. I’m glad to have had fr. And Divya as
my group members, they were very supportive, helpful, and encouraging and were able to come
through till the last moment- reminded me of social interest. It was easy to come up with the case
after looking up cases online but it was somewhat difficult to understand which assessment or
technique to use where. With discussions and insight from my group members we were able to
come to conclusions as to what might suit our clients situation and how to go about it. Was a
little hectic in that sense but overall I liked doing this assignment. I feel it helped me understand
and actually conceptualize Adlerian/Individual Psychology better than I would’ve done on my
own and also certain concepts of this modality I believe I can use in my personal counselling
process. I also think I could’ve done better and used more of the concepts of this modality in
many ways incorporating small as well as important aspects into the case.

Divya- So when I heard that I have to work with father and Gavy I was not so happy because
only 3 of us were there in the group and specially the group with which I used to work, not a
single member was present. But as we started doing our project I was so glad that I took this
opportunity to work with them. Both of them guided me. At some point we felt that we are really
not doing anything good but as we progress doing it, it started making sense to us. It was difficult
for us to read the cases and then come up with our own case but somehow we managed to do
that. As the submission day was approaching we were not sure that whether we will be able to
give our assignment fully or not because Adlerian counselling has a lot of things to add but yeah
we did it. It was a fun working with both of them.

References :
Adlerian theory and the case of margarita. Theravive Counseling. (n.d.).
https://www.theravive.com/research/adlerian-theory-and-the-case-of-margarita
Case study analysis: Individual psychology: Psychology paper example. PsychologyWriting.
(n.d.). https://psychologywriting.com/case-study-analysis-individual-psychology/
Jeremy Sutton, Ph. D. (2024, September 23). 22 most effective adlerian therapy techniques and
worksheets. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/adlerian-therapy/
Kendra Cherry, Mse. (2023b, May 4). What to know about adlerian theory. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/alderian-theory-definition-techniques-and-efficacy-5213796