Adlerian Therapy was created by Alfred Adler in 1912. It focuses on social connectedness as a key part of mental health and well-being. This approach views people within the social and relational environments they live in. A strong sense of belonging is considered essential for overall well-being.
What it helps with
How it works
Early on
You and your counsellor look at your family, friendships, work and early memories. Together you notice beliefs you formed young, such as "I only matter if I am useful."
As you go
You question your private logic, the old rules about yourself and others that hold you back. Then you try small, brave steps, like speaking up at work or calling a friend.
Over time
You build on strengths you already have and feel more connected to others. You and your counsellor decide together how long to keep going.
Not sure? A free consultation can help you choose.
Where
About
Adlerian Therapy was created by Alfred Adler in 1912. It focuses on social connectedness as a key part of mental health and well-being. This approach views people within the social and relational environments they live in. A strong sense of belonging is considered essential for overall well-being. Adlerian Therapy identifies three universal life tasks: building meaningful connections with others, developing intimate relationships with partners, and contributing positively to society.
Adlerian therapy views dysfunction not as a personal failing or pathology, but rather as something that results from being discouraged. Oftentimes, beliefs are formed early in life that serve to limit and disconnect people as they move through the various life tasks. Core to all life tasks is a sense of connection to others, known as “social feeling”. People strive to further not only their own agendas but those of their community and loved ones. Well-being is viewed in the context of the extent to which one feels connected to others.
Adlerian therapy involves a comprehensive exploration of one’s lifestyle, focusing on strengths the client already possesses as well as potential flaws in their beliefs about self or others, known as their “private logic”.
Therapists help clients explore their core beliefs and fears. The goal is to identify and challenge beliefs that may be limiting personal growth. They also encourage clients to build the confidence needed to navigate key areas of life, including work, friendships, social connections, and intimate relationships.
Another common Adlerian therapy technique is exploring early recollections. These are memories from early childhood that can reveal important patterns. Understanding these memories helps clients gain insight into how they relate to themselves and others today. Faulty logic that may have been learned in early experiences can then be challenged to make way for more adaptive ways of thinking and relating.
Adlerian Therapy can help people become more aware of themselves. It can also help improve their relationships and build confidence. This therapy may be good for people who have:
Adlerian Therapy also helps people understand how their early life experiences and main beliefs may affect their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. This allows them to develop patterns and stronger connections with others. Adlerian Therapy focuses on understanding these experiences.
At No Fear Counselling, therapists use Adlerian Therapy to help people identify what they are good at, recognize what holds them back, and learn ways to get along with themselves and others. The people at No Fear Counselling think that having relationships and feeling like you belong is really important for feeling good about yourself.
The team at No Fear Counselling offers in-person and online counselling across Canada. So if you are dealing with feeling anxious, having problems with someone, not feeling good about yourself, or going through a change in your life, Adlerian Therapy at No Fear Counselling can help you understand things better and feel more confident about what to do next. Adlerian Therapy is used to help people with these kinds of issues and more, and the therapists at No Fear Counselling are here to help you with Adlerian Therapy.
If you are feeling really disconnected from people or things, or struggling to believe in yourself, or having problems with the people you care about, Adlerian Therapy might help you understand yourself a little better and make some changes in your life.
No Fear Counselling has people who can do Adlerian Therapy in a lot of places like Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Victoria, and Penticton, and they also do counselling for people all over Canada.
You can book a meeting with a therapist today and get support to feel more confident, connected, and positive about your life.
Adler, A. (1928). The individual psychology of Alfred Adler. New York: Harper Perennial.
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Counselling Therapist
Post Practicum Intern
FAQs
Can't find your answer? Ask us a question.
Most sessions are a conversation about your life today and the beliefs behind it. Your counsellor may ask about your family growing up, your place among your siblings and a few early memories. Together you look for patterns, such as always trying to please others, and you notice your strengths. Between sessions you may try a small step, like saying no to an extra task.
It may be a good fit if you want to understand yourself and feel more connected to the people around you. Many people come with anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship concerns or the changes of a blended family. Adlerian therapy sees these as signs of feeling discouraged, not as something wrong with you. A free 15-minute consultation by phone or video can help you decide.
No, you share only what you feel ready to share. Early memories and family life are a common part of Adlerian therapy, because they can show beliefs you still carry. Your counsellor can go at your pace, and much of the time is spent on your life today. You can share as much or as little as you like.
Both look at the beliefs that shape how you feel and act. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) often focuses on current thoughts and practical skills, step by step. Adlerian therapy also looks at where your beliefs came from, such as your family and early memories, and at your sense of belonging. You can talk with your counsellor about which style suits you.
Yes, Adlerian therapy is mostly talking, so it can be done by video. You can meet in person or online from anywhere in BC. Our intake team suggests counsellors who fit what you need, your language, your budget and where you want to meet.