Theory and Practice of Adlerian Consultation

Abstract

Adlerian Consultation (AC) is a consulting method based on Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler. AC has rarely been acknowledged by Japanese mental health professionals although it is considered to be one of the important consultation approaches in Western countries. In this article, the author aims to describe the theory and practice of AC. Individual Psychology operates on following basic assumptions: goal-directedness (teleology), style of life, holism, phenomenology, understanding a person in social context, creativity, and psychology of use. Adlerian clinical practice has following characteristics: enhancement of social interest, emphasis on psychoeducational process, active role of the counselor, social equality, encouragement, differentiation between counseling and psychotherapy, and eclectic approach. There are five phases in the process of AC: 1. structuring of consultation and building a collaborative relationship with the consultee, 2. assessment of problems, 3. goal disclosure and facilitating insights of both consultee and client, 4. intervention, 5.evaluation. Techniques used in each phase of AC are examined. A case example with a teacher (the consultee) utilizing counseling services for a student (client) illustrates how the consultant helped the consultee encourage his student to cope constructively with his academic task. Finally, the application of AC to Japanese clinical settings as well as the integration of Individual Psychology into community approach are discussed.