SCHOOL:KCA UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS
NAME: EVANGILINE KATHURE
REG NO: 23/01421
UNIT: INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING THEORIES
CODE: DCP 023
Assignment 3
1. Explain the following concepts of Adlerian therapy and why they are of interest to the
Adlerian therapist (6 Marks)
Psychological birth positions
Psychological birth position refers to the order in which we are born within our family, such as
being the eldest, middle, youngest or only child. Adlerian therapists are interested in exploring
how birth order impacts our personality, behavior and relationships. For example, the eldest child
may develop leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility while the youngest child may be
more outgoing and seek attention. Understanding psychological birth positions helps Adlerian
therapists gain insights into clients’ experiences and how their family dynamics shape their
development.
Example,
As a divorced parent who sometimes travels with your oldest child, your psychological birth
position might influence your parenting style and dynamics within your family. Understanding
the roles and expectations associated with being the oldest child can provide insights into your
interactions and relationships with your child.
Universal life task
Universal life tasks refer to the essential responsibilities and goals that all individuals face in
their lives. They include tasks such as finding a sense of belonging, establishing meaningful
relationships, pursuing a fulfilling career and making meaningful contributions to society.
Adlerian therapists are interested in supporting clients in identifying and working towards these
universal life tasks, as they believe it leads to a sense of purpose and overall well-being.
Given your interest in learning about the effects of childhood trauma on cognitive, emotional and
social development, another universal life task could be developing empathy and understanding
towards others who have experienced trauma. Being a good friend involves being supportive,
compassionate and providing a safe space for others to share their experiences and emotions. It’s
important to listen actively and offer empathy and validation.
Family constellations
In Adlerian therapy, the concept of family constellations explores how the dynamics and
relationships within a family influence an individual’s behavior and psychological well-being.
Understanding the family dynamics, birth order, and communication patterns can provide
insights into current challenges and guide positive change. It’s interesting how our family
experiences shape who we are.
Middle child in your family;
Growing up, you may have developed a peacemaker role, mediating conflicts between your older
and younger siblings. This experience could have influenced your communication style and
conflict resolution skills in your adult relationships.
An only child in your family;
2. Give two reasons why trainee counselors should become conversant with a variety of
counseling theories (4 marks)
Enhancing effectiveness - Familiarity with different counseling theories allows trainee
counselors to have a broader range of approaches and techniques to support clients. This
flexibility helps tailor counseling sessions to better meet the unique needs of each
individual.
Developing a personal style - Exposure to various counseling theories enables trainee
counselors to explore different perspectives and find their own counseling style. It allows
them to integrate and synthesize different theories to create a personalized approach that
aligns with their values and strengths.
For example, a trainee counselor who is well-versed in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can
apply its techniques to help clients identify and modify unhelpful thoughts (irrational) and
behaviors. On the other hand, knowledge of person-centered therapy can assist in developing a
strong therapeutic alliance and providing empathic support.
Also, by being familiar with a variety of counseling theories, trainee counselors can expand their
skills, adapt to different client needs and develop their unique approach to counseling.
References
i. “The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler: A Systematic Presentation in Selections
from His Writings” by Adler, A. (2007). This book provides a comprehensive overview of
Adlerian theory, including psychological birth positions, universal life tasks, and family
constellations.
ii. “Adlerian Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice” by Carlson, J., & Englar-Carlson, M.
(2017). This resource offers an in-depth exploration of Adlerian therapy, highlighting its
key concepts and their application in clinical practice.
