Adlerian's concept of therapy is founded on the understanding of human growth and development from childhood through adulthood. Further, the concept relies heavily on Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest as observed in the formation of relationships between human beings to enhance survival skills (Bitter, Pelonis & Sonstegard, 2004). Although the society presents conditions that help a child to be natured into the community, the child must develop the traits required for their existence in the larger community. Therefore, negative factors inhibiting development would thwart every progressive way as seen in aristocratic systems while favorable factors or external factors necessitating unity would encourage progressive reforms. As the child grows and mingles with various groups he expresses himself and influences others as others also influence him; technology and education have made this very realistic in the present world (Bitter, Pelonis & Sonstegard, 2004). The interconnections and interactions between the child and various groups form the basis for Adlerian therapy in group counseling. The interactive segments in groups can be used as an opportunity to influence a child through counseling.
The group theory approach counters Freud’s concept of individualism. Freud advanced that mental illness and abnormal behaviors originated from internal conflicts and therefore would not require group approach. On the contrary, Adler's position holds that external factors influence individuals. Therefore, mental illness and maladjustments originate from group actions which can be solved through groups ( Bitter, Pelonis & Sonstegard, 2004). For example, a generous child playing with selfish children will learn to be selfish. Therefore, others influence the child. When the child is removed from the group and taken to a generous group, he/she learns to be generous again. In case the sharing habit is ingrained in the child, he will resist selfishness and by his sharing, can influence the other children to share. This example illustrates the influence of mind(s) upon others.
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Having noted that individual problems arise from interactions with others, problems can, therefore, be understood to be social. Therefore, social approaches should be adopted in soliving issues via the establishment of groups where members develop a sense of belonging, community, and connectedness (Corey, 2015). The members come to understand their problems as interpersonal with social meaning and purpose. Recollection of past experiences is used to create a bond between the members as they begin to share their early memories and understand the common root underlying them. As the groups bond, it becomes a platform for influencing the members and an urgent change (Corey, 2015).
Primarily, the role of the group is to help the members discover and defeat self-defeating behaviors. They go through activities of reorientation and action geared towards making them better persons. The technique is advantageous because it enables the members to set goals and tasks, incorporate the functions and objectives into their daily experience, and create solutions to the challenges encountered (Corey, 2015). Erroneous beliefs about life are challenged through a united front thereby enabling each member to become better and live a healthier life. The technique is cheaper and convenient in cases where the physician has a greater workload. The group members can break to form other helpful teams or enjoy the benefit of their group for other future activities. Hence, this technique is not about an individual, physician, helping the sick but a group uniting through a mutual relationship to change each other and even become eternal friends helping one another.
References
Bitter, J. R., Sonstegard, M. A., & Pelonis, P. (2004). Adlerian group counseling and therapy: Step-by-step . New York, NY: Routledge.
Corey, G. (2015). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy . New York, NY: Nelson Education.
