Deck 4: Individual Psychology

Question 1

Choose one of the following techniques. Identify the theoretical basis and rationale for the technique (e.g., why and how it works) and give an example of how to use the technique with a specific client problem.
(a) interpretation (b) pushing the button (c) acting as if

Answer 1

(a) Interpretation is a technique often used in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy. The theoretical basis for interpretation lies in the idea that unconscious thoughts and feelings can influence a person's behavior and emotions. By bringing these unconscious thoughts and feelings to the client's awareness, interpretation aims to help them gain insight into their motivations and reactions.

The rationale for interpretation is that by understanding the underlying meaning of their thoughts and behaviors, clients can make changes and gain a better understanding of themselves. For example, if a client repeatedly sabotages their own success, a therapist might interpret this behavior as stemming from deep-seated feelings of unworthiness or fear of failure.

An example of using interpretation with a specific client problem could be with a client who is struggling in their relationships. The therapist might interpret the client's pattern of seeking out partners who are emotionally unavailable as a reflection of their own fear of intimacy, stemming from unresolved issues with their parents. By bringing this unconscious pattern to the client's awareness, they can begin to work through their fear of intimacy and make healthier relationship choices.

(b) "Pushing the button" is a technique used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The theoretical basis for this technique is rooted in the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and by changing one, the others can be influenced as well. "Pushing the button" involves challenging a client's irrational or negative thoughts by asking them to imagine a hypothetical scenario that would trigger those thoughts.

The rationale for this technique is that by creating a hypothetical situation that would provoke the client's negative thoughts, they can see the impact of those thoughts on their emotions and behaviors. For example, if a client has a fear of public speaking, the therapist might "push the button" by asking them to imagine giving a speech and then observe their feelings and reactions.

An example of using "pushing the button" with a specific client problem could be with a client who struggles with social anxiety. The therapist might ask the client to imagine attending a social event and then observe the thoughts and emotions that arise. By doing so, the client can begin to challenge and reframe their negative thought patterns.

(c) "Acting as if" is a technique often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral therapy. The theoretical basis for this technique is based on the idea that changing behavior can lead to changes in thoughts and emotions. "Acting as if" involves encouraging a client to behave as if they already possess the qualities or characteristics they desire.

The rationale for this technique is that by practicing new behaviors, clients can change their self-perception and develop new patterns of thinking and feeling. For example, if a client lacks confidence, the therapist might encourage them to "act as if" they are confident by practicing assertive communication and body language.

An example of using "acting as if" with a specific client problem could be with a client who struggles with low self-esteem. The therapist might encourage the client to "act as if" they are confident and capable by taking on new challenges, speaking up in group settings, and practicing self-affirmations. Through consistent practice, the client can begin to internalize a new, more positive self-image.

Question 2

Adlerian psychotherapists often ask their clients about early recollections. What are the assumptions of this technique and how does it facilitate the therapeutic process?

Answer 2

Adlerian psychotherapists use the technique of asking clients about their early recollections because it is based on the assumption that these early memories hold significant clues to the individual's personality, beliefs, and behaviors. This technique is rooted in the Adlerian belief that early experiences and memories shape an individual's worldview and contribute to their lifestyle.

By asking clients about their early recollections, therapists can gain insight into the client's subjective experiences and how they have interpreted and made meaning of their early life events. This information can help therapists understand the client's core beliefs, patterns of behavior, and coping strategies. It also provides a window into the client's perceived sense of self, relationships with others, and their overall worldview.

Facilitating the exploration of early recollections can be a powerful tool in the therapeutic process as it allows clients to reflect on formative experiences and make connections between past events and current issues. This process can help clients gain insight into the origins of their behaviors and beliefs, leading to greater self-awareness and the potential for positive change.

Additionally, discussing early recollections can foster a strong therapeutic alliance as it demonstrates the therapist's genuine interest in understanding the client's unique experiences and perspective. This technique can also help clients develop a sense of agency and empowerment as they gain a deeper understanding of their personal history and its influence on their current life.

Overall, the exploration of early recollections can facilitate the therapeutic process by providing valuable insights, fostering self-awareness, and strengthening the therapeutic relationship. It can serve as a foundation for understanding the client's worldview and working towards meaningful and lasting change.

Question 3

What is social interest, according to Adler? Name three techniques you would use to assess a client's level of social interest.

Answer 3

According to Alfred Adler, social interest refers to an individual's innate desire to contribute to the well-being of others and society as a whole. It is the fundamental motivation that drives people to connect with others, cooperate, and strive for mutual benefit.

To assess a client's level of social interest, three techniques that could be used are:

1. Observation: This involves observing the client's interactions with others, their willingness to cooperate, and their overall behavior in social settings. This can provide valuable insights into their level of social interest.

2. Self-report measures: Using standardized questionnaires or interviews, clients can self-report their attitudes, values, and beliefs related to social relationships and community involvement. This can help in understanding their perspective on social interest.

3. Role-playing exercises: Engaging the client in role-playing scenarios that involve social interactions can help assess their ability to empathize, communicate effectively, and engage in prosocial behaviors. This can provide a more dynamic and experiential assessment of social interest.

Question 4

Discuss Adler's ideas about birth order.

Question 5

Evaluate individual psychology's utility for clients who are of diverse backgrounds. What are its strengths and potential pitfalls?

Question 6

Discuss research outcomes for Adlerian theory constructs and therapy.

Question 7

For Adler, human behavior is determined by

A) social interest
B) striving for perfection
C) unconscious superiority feelings
D) a and b

Question 8

According to Adler, what children see in their parents' relationship will influence their:

A) choice of a job
B) views of partnership and the nature of the other sex
C) perception of the division of labor in a household
D) none of the above

Question 9

John appears very confident, and has been known to tell people about how able he is. Adler would say that John

A) is a very healthy individual
B) is narcissistic
C) has a big ego
D) has an inferiority complex

Question 10

According to Adler, which of the following is the easiest life task to accomplish?

A) love
B) communal life
C) work
D) superiority

Question 11

The masculine protest is

A) men's discomfort with feelings
B) a special case of the drive for power
C) only applies to men
D) b and c

Question 12

For Adler, the healthy person

A) has no conflicts
B) feels superior to others
C) can recall early memories
D) has the courage to be imperfect

Question 13

The most extreme kind of social isolation is seen in

A) psychotics
B) neurotics
C) drug abusers
D) corporate executives

Question 14

"The question" tells the Adlerian counselor

A) whether the problem is physiological
B) something about the purpose of symptoms
C) the client's birth order
D) a or b

Question 15

Resistance in individual psychology counseling is

A) seen as Freudian bunk
B) a failure of courage
C) expression of inherent rage
D) a reaction when the therapist knows where the client needs to go, but the client disagrees

Question 16

Laurie doesn't do her homework. According to Adler, her parents should

A) force her to do it
B) do it for her
C) talk to her teacher
D) allow natural consequences

Question 17

Which of the following is true about outcome research on individual psychology counseling?

A) it can be questioned methodologically
B) it is uniformly supportive of individual psychology theory
C) it is not supportive of individual psychology theory
D) it is published in many journals

Question 18

Which of the following best describes Alfred Adler's view of human nature?

A) Humans develop the desire to achieve perfection based on feedback that they receive from their adult caregivers.
B) Humans are more likely to adapt to their environment when they develop apart from others.
C) Humans create their own life paths.
D) Humans are born with a sense of superiority.

Question 19

Jennie tells her Adlerian counselor that she would love be a party girl but she is just too shy. Andy the Adlerian instructs Jennie to spend the next two weeks pretending that she is outgoing and sociable. Andy is using the individual psychology technique known as:

A) creating images
B) pushing the button
C) acting as if
D) interpretation

Question 20

Alfred Adler believes that psychological dysfunction results from:

A) lifestyles that enhance the self and are not socially oriented.
B) satisfying the needs of society rather than focusing on the needs of self.
C) a fundamental lack of connection between mind and body.
D) failing to use the organismic valuing system to evaluate self-worth.

Question 21

Dwight is a well-trained Adlerian therapist. Richard has begun treatment with Dwight to relieve his feelings of anxiety that he experiences when giving presentations at work. During last week's session Dwight instructed Richard to visualize being at the ocean, a scene that brings pleasant feelings to Richard. Dwight then instructed Richard to visualize giving a presentation and focus on his feelings of anxiety. When Dwight reported to Richard that he felt substantially anxious, Richard instructed Dwight to again visualize being at the ocean and focus on the calm feelings that he experienced. The purpose of the intervention that Richard used was to:

A) allow Dwight to gain awareness of his unconscious aggression toward his co-workers.
B) allow Dwight to consider the ridiculous nature of his reaction to giving presentations.
C) teach Dwight that he has control over the feelings that he experiences.
D) experience life from another person's perspective.

Question 22

Sarah believes that she must make straight As in all of her counseling classes. According to Adler, she is making which basic mistake?

A) distorted attitudes about self
B) distorted goals
C) distorted conclusions
D) none of the above

Question 23

Which of the following, according to individual psychology, is the most important force in how individuals form their lifestyles?

A) the creative power of the individual
B) birth order
C) parenting style
D) sex

Question 24

Early recollections are used to

A) gain true information about an individual's early experience
B) diagnose social interest
C) understand lifestyle
D) b and c

Question 25

Darby, age 12, always wants to stay up late. His father lets Darby stay up as late as he wants, but insists that Darby get up on time and get to school. Darby protests, saying that he is too tired. His father insists, and Darby drags himself out of bed and off to school. The father is using which Adlerian technique?

A) allowing natural consequences
B) using logical consequences
C) imaging
D) catching oneself

Question 26

Adler believed that one's personality is formed by

A) age 6
B) adolescence
C) middle teens
D) personality is fluid and is never really set

Question 27

One's level of social interest, according to Adler, is

A) innate
B) relatively unaffected by family influences
C) passed on unconsciously through a multigenerational process
D) affected by problems in development

Question 28

Adler thought that dreams

A) express unconscious conflicts
B) represent some current problems of the person
C) were great diagnostic tools
D) were not of interest in helping the client

Question 29

Recent research on the individual psychology concept of the need to belong found that the following may occur when belongingness is threatened:

A) increased attention to social events and processes
B) decreased attention to social events and processes
C) negative emotional and behavioral reactions
D) both a and c