|
Article Excerpt
This article integrates the counseling theories of Individual Psychology and Interpersonal Theory. This integration provides a social/interpersonal approach to conceptualize clients' problems and address them in counseling. The integrated approach to counseling presents a structure for assessment of clients' developmental experiences as well as a counseling approach that allows the counselor to address these issues in the counseling relationship. Finally, a clinical example is provided to demonstrate the integration of theories.
**********
The importance of theory in mental health counseling practice has received sustained attention (e.g., Bauman & Waldo, 1998; D'Andrea, 2000; Ellis, 2000; Hershenson, Power & Seligman, 1989; McBride & Martin, 1990; Messina, 1999; Pistole, 1999; Weinrach, 1991). Some authors have argued that adherence to a specific theory could limit counselors' versatility and effectiveness (Kelly, 1991; Nance & Meyers, 1991), while other authors have expressed reservations about eclecticism, asserting that it potentially results in sloppy, haphazard thinking and thus reflects poorly on the profession (Blocher, 1989; Ginter, 1989; MacDonald, 1991). One approach to expanding theory-based practice beyond the limitations potentially inherent in the use of only one theory is to combine two or more theories. The danger of creating a "hodgepodge" of apples and oranges (Ginter, 1988, p.6) can be avoided if the theories are compatible, carefully integrated, and if they reflect the basic characteristics of mental health counseling. Those characteristics include focusing on clients' assets and development, taking into account clients' interpersonal and environmental context, and employing the counseling relationship as a central mechanism for promoting change (Ginter, 1989; Ginter & Bonney, 1993; Hershenson & Power, 1987).
Traditional Individual Psychology (Adler, 1929; 1958) and Interpersonal Theory (Sullivan, 1953), which has been expanded on by followers of Sullivan (e.g., Leary, 1957; Meyer, 1957, Teyber, 2000), are two compatible theories that together fully address the essential values of mental health counseling. The theories have complimentary descriptions of personality and human nature. Individual Psychology describes humans as being social in nature, having a desire to belong, and striving for significance in their social environment to avoid inferiority (Dreikurs, 1956; Shilling, 1984). Interpersonal Theory describes human beings as motivated by interpersonal anxiety to avoid rejection and to maintain self-esteem (Sullivan). According to Interpersonal Theory and Individual Psychology, each individual must be viewed in the context of his or her social environment. Both theories view difficulties and solutions from a social/interpersonal perspective. Together they explain and guide use of the counseling relationship to foster clients' positive development within their social context.
In this article, the basic concepts of Individual Psychology and Interpersonal Theory are reviewed. The review does not attempt to provide a thorough description of either theory. Instead, summaries of the theories are provided, focusing on the aspects of each theory which contribute to their integration. Following summaries of the basic concepts, each counseling approach is briefly described, and a method for integrating the two approaches is proposed. Finally, a case example of counseling that integrates Individual Psychology and Interpersonal Theory is reported.
BASIC CONCEPTS
The theories of Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology and Harry Stack Sullivan's Interpersonal Theory have similar histories and basic concepts (Ellenberger, 1970; Teyber, 2000). Both theories assume a relational focus in psychotherapy in contrast to Freud's established theory of psychoanalysis. Adler agreed with Freud's concept of the purposefulness of symptoms; he also agreed with Freud about the importance of early childhood experiences. However, Adler disagreed with Freud's emphasis on psychosexual development (Corsini & Wedding, 1995). Instead, Adler stressed the importance of early social interaction through which children form rules to help them manage their world and understand life (Sweeney, 1975). Similarly, Sullivan broke from Freudian Psychoanalytic Theory by arguing that the basic propositions of Freud's theory could be understood through an examination of relationships and that interpersonal anxiety (rather than libido) is the primary motivational force (Teyber).
According to both Individual Psychology and Interpersonal Theory, individuals develop patterns early in life through interactions with their families, most importantly their parents. Adler described the patterns that individuals follow through their lives as their lifestyle (Sweeney, 1975). A lifestyle,...
|
