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Psychoanalysis vs. Adlerian

Psychoanalysis vs. Adlerian

Consider the two theories you studied this week (Psychoanalysis and Adlerian) and apply them to the Case Study: Olivia listed under the Discussion Resource below. Then answer the following questions in your Discussion Thread. Please organize your post with subheadings, to show where you answered which question.

must use a minimum of the 3 required course

Psychoanalysis vs. Adlerian

textbooks for scholarly citations. APA

  1. What are the goals with this client when applying a psychoanalytical approach?, What are the goals when applying an Adlerian approach?,
  2. What would be the role of the counselor and the role of the client from the psychoanalytical perspective?, What about an Adlerian perspective?,
  3. What interventions/techniques/procedures might be helpful for this client from a Psychoanalytical approach? What about from an Adlerian approach?
  4. How would you integrate a biblical perspective with this client when applying a psychoanalytical approach? What about with the Adlerian approach? How are these theories compatible (or incompatible) with a biblical worldview when applied to this client?
  5. If you had to choose between the two theories, which one would fit better the needs of this client? Which one are you more comfortable with? Explain briefly.

    Psychoanalysis vs. Adlerian

  6. 1. Goals of Psychoanalysis and Adlerian Approaches

    From a psychoanalytical approach, the primary goal with Olivia would be to bring unconscious conflicts to awareness, resolve unresolved childhood experiences, and reduce anxiety by working through defense mechanisms. The emphasis would be on insight—helping Olivia understand how her past relationships, early family dynamics, and hidden impulses influence her current struggles.
    From an Adlerian approach, the goal would be to help Olivia develop a stronger sense of belonging, reframe her mistaken beliefs, and encourage her toward social interest and purposeful living. Adlerian therapy is future-oriented, so the aim would be building new skills and healthier patterns rather than dwelling on unresolved conflicts.

    2. Roles of Counselor and Client

    In psychoanalysis, the counselor functions as an interpreter of unconscious material, maintaining neutrality while analyzing dreams, slips of the tongue, and transference. The client’s role is to engage in free association, explore inner thoughts, and work through resistance.
    In Adlerian therapy, the counselor is a collaborator and encourager—someone who helps Olivia explore her lifestyle, early recollections, and family constellation. The client is seen as an active participant in setting goals, experimenting with new behaviors, and applying insights to daily life.

    3. Interventions and Techniques

    A psychoanalytical counselor might use free association, dream interpretation, analysis of defense mechanisms, and interpretation of transference to uncover unconscious material.
    An Adlerian counselor might use lifestyle assessment, early recollections, encouragement, role-playing, and “acting as if” techniques to help Olivia test out new ways of relating to others. Both approaches could be adapted to fit Olivia’s presenting issues, but Adlerian techniques tend to be more brief and pragmatic.

    4. Biblical Integration

    From a psychoanalytical perspective, a biblical integration might focus on uncovering hidden sin patterns or unresolved pain, paralleling the biblical call to examine the heart (Psalm 139:23–24). However, psychoanalysis’ deterministic view of unconscious drives may conflict with the biblical view of free will and redemption.
    From an Adlerian perspective, biblical integration may align more closely. Adler’s emphasis on community, encouragement, and purposeful living resonates with biblical principles of fellowship, mutual support, and serving others (Hebrews 10:24–25). The focus on belonging and meaning connects with the biblical understanding of identity in Christ and the call to love one another. Overall, Adlerian theory is more compatible with a biblical worldview.

    5. Choosing a Preferred Theory

    Between the two, the Adlerian approach seems to fit Olivia’s needs more effectively because it emphasizes encouragement, belonging, and purposeful change rather than lengthy exploration of unconscious conflicts. It offers practical tools and a hopeful orientation that could help her move forward. Personally, I would feel more comfortable with Adlerian therapy as it provides a balance of insight, encouragement, and application—while also integrating smoothly with biblical values of growth, relationship, and hope.


    This gives you a structured, general response with clear subheadings for each question. You’ll just need to add your three required textbooks into the in-text citations and APA reference list to meet the scholarly requirement.

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Psychoanalysis vs. Adlerian
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