Adlerian therapy presents a view of the individual as a whole entity or as a composite being and not as a collection of parts thrown together and reduced to such names as ego, superego, libido, and id. In this particular approach to therapy, the client is viewed in his or her entirety as a uniquely configured person who thinks, feels, and behaves as a unified whole. What Alfred Adler's theory and relevant therapeutic model present is a holistic view emphasizing the totality of the individual and the experiences of the individual. Further, the theory sees human behavior as pulled forward by constructed goals and not pushed from behind by predetermined explanations or instinctual drives.
From the perspective of this writer, a number of ideas advanced by Adler appear to be useful. Specifically, Adler's theory of how birth order affects the development of personality can help to explain some of the common problems that human beings experience. However, much of Adlerian theory fails to give adequate attention to the role of instincts and instinctual drive. While an overly narrow focus on Freudian theory and intervention strategies seems to be unnecessary in the context of most therapeutic settings, I would suggest that Adler goes too far in rejecting the role played by instincts such as those found in the ego, libido, id, and superego.
Adlerian therapy does provide for a focus on the whole person, which is an important consideration in all therapeutic interventions. However, most contemporary therapists (and their clients) respond positively to therapeutic interventions and strategies that are cognitively and behaviorally oriented. Like Freudian psychoanalysis, Adlerian therapy often requires long-term commitment to the therapeutic process. Many clients are unable for any number of reasons to make this kind of commitment. Shorter interventions such as those provided through cognitive behav
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