Running Head: FINAL INTEGRATIVE PAPER
Final Integrative Paper: Adlerian and Solution Focused Theories
Jennifer Monaghan
Winona State University
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Distinct Elements of Each Theory
Adlerian theory focuses on the person as a whole. It emphasizes the unity of thinking,
feeling, acting, attitudes, values and the conscious mind (J. Sommers-Flanagan & R. SommersFlanagan, 2004). Bitter and Nicoll (2000) state that the relationship is the foundation for
facilitating change in someone. The counselor and the client are first to develop a relationship.
The counselor lets the client tell their particular story by empathically listening to them. I think
that this helps people feel as if they have someone on their side. Adlerian theorists believe that
people strive to belong (J. Sommers-Flanagan & R. Sommers-Flanagan, 2004). I find this to be
true with everyone that I come in contact with. Adlerian theorists think whether a person is
considered an introvert or an extrovert, they all want to belong to something. It is my personal
belief that people strive to have at least one connection with someone. Adlerian theorists also
believe that people strive with purpose. J. Sommers-Flanagan & R. Sommers-Flanagan (2004)
affirms that humans actively shape ourselves to the environment around us. I find this to be
true in my personal life. Depending on what I am doing, and who I am with, I will change myself
to fit my surroundings. One thing I personally like the most about this theory is how it
incorporates the family constellation. During the session, the therapist is asking questions
about family lifestyle and early childhood memories. I think this is important to understanding
the whole person. The way they grew up influences the way a person lives their life in the
future.
Solution-focused therapy key points are to look for exceptions to problems that the
client is experiencing. The theory emphasizes that client do not need to know why their
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problem exists or how it began (J. Sommers-Flanagan & R. Sommers-Flanagan, 2004). This
theory looks at that is already working rather than focusing on the problem in itself (Hanton,
2009). I like how solution-focused theory utilizes scaling as a technique. I believe that this
helps clients and counselors see exactly where they are on a continuum. The thing that I found
to be most interesting, with this theory, is the therapist compliments the clients on their
achievements and strengths (Kahn, 2000). I often times do this in my tapings because I feel
that it shows my unconditional positive regard for the client. I think by pointing out what the
client is doing right rather than focusing on the problem will build a good rapport with the
client. This essentially provides a strong foundation for a positive relationship with the client
and the counselor.
The Meshing of the Two Theories
The two theories have a lot in common and they provide an effective complement of
techniques to use in the session. Both theories explore the idea of having goals. Solutionfocused therapy has the clients set attainable goals with meaningful outcomes. Both Adlerian
and Solution-focused theories embrace the concept of encouragement to the help the client
reach their goals that they set for themselves. Both theories emphasize effort and outcome
(McCurdy, 2006). Masaster and Corsini (1982) believe that people not as psychological sick, but
discouraged (as cited in Watts and Pietrzak, 2000). Drieikus (1967) also believed that
encouragement was a necessity of counseling. He thought that problems are based on
discouragement (as cited in Watts & Pietrzak, 2000). Both theories provide encouragement for
clients to work through issues and problems.
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Another commonality that these theories have that they identify positive perceptions of
mental health and the client’s willingness to move towards goals (LaFountain, 1996). Both
theories provide a framework for an effective counseling session. Adlerian techniques are very
nurture oriented and provide an optimistic outlook for the client. The theory allows for time to
reflect on the past and present concerns. Counseling often times provides clients with the skills
to cope with their issues leaving them to feel a sense of relief. Both theories combines gives a
client a full picture of their life and what may come from their choices. Solution-Focused
techniques are very future orientated. By looking for the future, it gives the client hope that
their problems will be manageable. I feel by looking at the past with Adlerian therapy and the
present and future with solution-focused therapy that it gives you a whole picture of an
individual.
Combining the Philosophies and Techniques
According to Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, and Paisley (2008) Adlerian theory uses five
philosophical stances. They are responsibility and creativity, teleology, phenomenology,
holism, and social embeddedness (Fall et al., n.d. as cited in Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, &
Paisley, 2008). Responsibility and creativity refers to Adler’s belief that humans are creative
beings who have free will (Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, & Paisley, 2008). To embrace this
philosophy, I will use creative techniques like writing a future autobiography. This allows clients
to get creative with how their future will play out. I think that clients can be creative when
finding solutions to problems in the solution-focused theory. The second philosophical stance
is teleology. The teleology philosophical idea is that humans are goal oriented (Ziomek-Daigle,
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McHahon, & Paisley, 2008). Solution-focused and Adlerian theories go together on this idea.
Both theories have individual create attainable goals for the client to work on. As a counselor, I
will help the client create the goals. I will also help the set up a plan of action to work towards
their desired outcome.
Phenomenology is part of the third philosophy that Adlerian believes in. This is a belief
that each individual perceives their environment in subjective manner. This creates an
assortment of different understandings of the environment surrounding the clients (ZiomekDaigle, McHahon, & Paisley, 2008). A technique that I think will work well for this philosophy is
using paradoxical strategies or acting “as if”. If the client can change their perception of the
environment around them, then they may be able to change their behavior. I also think that the
technique reframing would work well for clients. The fourth of the philosophy roots is holism.
To better understand the individual needs to be viewed at as a whole rather than a sum of their
individual parts (Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, & Paisley, 2008). As for as technique, I think that
having a rapport with the client will help understand the person as a whole. Incorporating the
family constellation would be a good point to bring up to discuss any early memories of a
learned lifestyle. This is useful in helping clients gain insight. The three lifestyle questions have
the clients explore their lifestyle. The last of the philosophical roots is social embeddedness.
This refers to the belief that humans strive to belong and have a sense of social connectedness
(Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, & Paisley, 2008). Developing the rapport with clients, group
counseling, and reframing can all be positive techniques to use with a client. The philosophy
with techniques for each theory provides an effective framework for a counseling session.
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Integrating Multiculturalism
Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, and Paisley (2008) sited that Adlerian based interventions
work extremely well in the school system. Using this theory tied with group therapy has been
reported to be effective for many students (McChurdy, 2006). This helps students feel a sense
of social connectedness with others that may be facing similar problems. These theories focus
on understanding each student from their unique perspective coming from diverse
backgrounds (Ziomek-Daigle, McHahon, & Paisley, 2008). This also means understanding that
each problem is different for every client. I feel that both Adlerian and solution-focused
therapy would work well for children of all ages and with a diverse population. I feel that the
social connectedness of this therapy and focusing on solutions to problems would work well for
any one that is at any age in their life.
I believe that people are shaped by their environment and past experiences. The
general goal in this therapy is increase the client’s awareness of what is going right in their life
and finding solutions or exceptions to problems (McChurdy, 2006). I like that fact that you and
your client set specific goals that you work towards during the sessions. I also like that this is a
very individualist plan, since each client that I will see is different. I see myself using this when I
am a school counselor. My students will come to me with a concern that they feel is
problematic. I will work with them to look solutions in their environment, their thinking, and
their self concept to help them develop skills to cope with their problems. I think that
reframing the problem would be beneficial for a client. Providing them another way of looking
at the problem and thinking about a problem may be the only solution for them.
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I believe that exploring social injustice with clients can be beneficial to their healing.
Watts and Pietrzak (2000) report that Adlerian focused counselors address social equality issues
and emphasize the social embeddedness of humans. Validating their concerns and
acknowledging their problems is helpful for clients during therapy (Hanton, 2009). The
challenges I will face working with a diverse population is to not normalize everyone or their
experiences. Both Adlerian and solution-focused therapies celebrate an individual’s uniqueness
(Flanagan, Flanagan, 2004). It is vital that I don’t generalize people’s behaviors and assume that
everyone is doing it or feeling that way. I am comfortable working with people from different
ethnic, religious, and race from me. To maintain my skills, I will be constantly learning by taking
classes, going to work shops, and learning something new with each client that walks into my
office. I will also keep up on different cultures beliefs and traditions. I will treat each client with
the kindness and respect. Remembering that they are all unique individuals is something that I
find to be valuable in developing a positive rapport with each client.
Myself as a Tool in Counseling
The first thing that I am going to do when I get a client in my office is to be welcoming. I
want to encourage the client to enter into counseling as their complete self. It is important for
me to convey the message to the client that they are in a safe space. This will be done through
going over the informed consent with the client. The initial interview with the client is
imperative in learning about the client. This is a time to get to know the important information
including thoughts, feelings, and actions taken by the client. By getting this information, I can
better assist the client by knowing what to focus on. This will provide better and more effective
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sessions. Also, by gathering information the client and counselor can establish the first stage of
the helping process: establishing a working relationship. This is a very important step in my
eyes. I believe that by creating this relationship with clients, you are building a foundation of
trust with them. If you don’t have this, it may be hard for the client to open completely up to
you as the helper.
The goal of therapy is to gain insight and redirect behavior that the client feels is
troubling (Linden, 1984.). As the counselor, my part in the session is to help guide the client in
the direction the want to take. I think of myself as the wind behind lost waves in an ocean. I
don’t want to push the clients into doing that doesn’t fit with their lifestyle. I think the miracle
question from the solution-focused theory enables the client to focus on what their future
would look like without their problems present. As a counselor, I can provide guidance to the
client about where to focus their efforts to attain their goals. I can provide them questions to
reflect on while they are working towards developing their skills to cope with problems. I will
always provide a non-judgmental environment for the client to explore their inner self. I am
also available to answer questions and present psycho education for the client and families. I
plan to do all of this while providing unconditional positive regard and encouragement.
The career path I am currently having an interest in is school counseling. I know that I
will be doing a lot of referrals. I want to make sure they are getting the best care possible. I
want them to know that it isn’t as if I am ditching them or that I don’t want to do it, it’s just that
I may not be the best suited for it. I feel very comfortable asking other professionals with advice
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or thoughts on my current client. Seeking a supervisor will also help my competence, and I
know that I will be at ease asking for it. This will make me a better tool for my clients.
My Self Care Plan
In the field of counseling, you see people all day that are having problems in their lives.
I think that not bringing everyone’s problems home with me at night will be my biggest
challenge in this career. I have a feeling that I will always be wondering how my clients are
doing, and if I said or did the right thing to them during the session. Some things that I have
been currently working on in my life are telling people “no.” I have a hard time with that,
because I want to be able to help everyone that I can. Another thing that challenges me is
being a perfectionist. When I am given a job or a task, I feel that I must be the best for them
because that is why they chose me. I think that they chose me because I am the best, and that I
must live up to their standards. I am still working on making some tasks good enough to be
done. I think this will be a constant goal to work on for myself. A skill that I need to work on is
to take time for myself to avoid becoming burnt out. I do take a vacation every year with my
mother to a different location. I plan to continue this as many years as I can. I feel that this is
highly beneficial, but I may need to take more time than once a year. I find this to not only be
relaxing but a time for me to do a mental check-in with myself about where I am in life and if I
am happy. I do try to reward myself once I get a large project or paper done and hope to
continue this in the work place. These are skills that will carry me through my career.
While in my time in graduate school, I have learned how to tell if I am starting to
become burnt out. I can feel it both physically and mentally. I notice that I start to feel
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compassion fatigue. I start to not care about people like I usually do, and begin think about my
own sorrows. If I become impaired I will immediately refer my clients to other counselors such
as my coworkers for a short time period. I would feel as if I was letting them down if I would
continue to counsel them not at my best. I would know if I were becoming impaired if I wasn’t
providing the best care possible that I could. My hope is that I will catch myself getting burnt
out before I become impaired. I will survey my self-care habits, and checking in with my goals
often to avoid becoming useless to clients.
I will know when I am burnt out when I start thinking about my own problems during a
session with a client. It is as this time that I should be devoting my full attention to them,
rather than thinking about myself. Many of the students that I will see in my office will be
stressed from school or family life, and I need to make sure I am not comparing stress levels
with them internally. Once I discover that I am burnt out, I will work on helping myself get back
to good health. I will go on vacations, do some soul searching, and regain a new perspective. I
will also look at what caused me to become burnt out and work on changing this before I let it
happen to me again. This will help me provide the best care possible to my clients.
I do plan activities with the people that I enjoy being with. I find this to be the most
beneficial to me. I also see that I try to make new and positive relationships every day. When I
can feel my faith in life slipping away from my priorities, I will call friends and family and talk to
them about the important aspects of my life. They are usually a good reminder to me to make
sure I am not loosing track of the influence of my social support system. For my physical
aspects in my life, I love to go on walks almost every day, when the weather is nice. I am very
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excited to move to a state with mountains in the near future. This allows me to go hiking and
the weather should be consistent. I find this to be so relaxing and will give me time to catch up
with the person I am spending time with.
I think it’s important to survey the self care habits you do. This can be done every couple
of months to ensure that you are providing quality self care. It is important for people to check
their happiness level. By checking in every so often, this would avoid the beginnings feelings of
becoming burnt out. I think it is also important to make sure that I am not bored with my job.
It is important to challenge yourself. Doing assessments or inventory can help you look at the
big picture of that year in your career. It will allow you to make changes as you see fit. This will
help you better yourself, which in turn will make you a better helper.
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References
Bitter, J. R., & Nicoll, W. G. (2000). Adlerian brief therapy with individuals: Process and practice.
Journal of Individual Psychology, 56(1), 31.
Hanton, P. (2009). Solution-focused therapy in a problem-focused world. Healthcare
Counselling & Psychotherapy Journal, 9(2), 22-25.
Kahn, B. B. (2000). A model of solution-focused consultation for school counselors. Professional
School Counseling, 3(4), 248.
LaFountain, R. M. (1996). Social interest: A key to solutions. Individual Psychology: The Journal
of Adlerian Theory, Research & Practice, 52(2), 150.
Linden, G. W. (1984). Some philosophical roots of adlerian psychology. Individual Psychology:
The Journal of Adlerian Theory, Research & Practice, 40(3), 254.
McCurdy, K. G. (2006). Adlerian supervision: A new perspective with a solution focus. Journal of
Individual Psychology, 62(2), 141-153.
Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2004). Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories
in Context and Practice. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley.
Watts, R. E., & Pietrzak, D. (2000). Adlerian 'encouragement' and the therapeutic process of
solution-focused brief therapy. Journal of Counseling & Development, 78(4), 442-447.
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Ziomek-Daigle, J., McMahon, H. G., & Paisley, P. O. (2008). Adlerian-based interventions for
professional school counselors: Serving as both counselors and educational leaders.
Journal of Individual Psychology, 64(4), 450-467.
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