Running head: THEORETICAL APPLICATIONS 1

Theoretical Applications of Adlerian and Reality Therapy to Existential Therapy

Betty Ko

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

THEORETICAL APPLICATIONS 2

Theoretical Applications of Adlerian and Reality Therapy to Existential Therapy

"No matter how close each of us becomes to another there remains a final unbridgeable

gap; each of us enters existence alone and must depart from it alone." (Yalom, 1980, p. 9)

The philosophical underpinnings of existential theory have always resonated with me.

Existentialism explores the quintessential question of what it means to be human in an attempt to

elucidate why we exist. Irvin Yalom, in his seminal work, Existential Psychotherapy, described

death, isolation, loss of freedom, and meaninglessness as the "ultimate concerns" of humanity

(Yalom, 1980). These inquiries encourage us to reflect deeply on fundamental issues relevant to

existence while simultaneously recognizing the freedom to choose (Corey, 2017).

Strengths & Weaknesses-The Case for Integration

Existential theory practiced in its purest form allows for a rich and deeply meaningful

experience. It encourages an individual to reflect deeply on universal life themes while

expanding on an innate desire for connection and meaning. And yet what defines existential

therapy and gives it its unique strength is also what creates its deficits.

Because existentialism is primarily a phenomenological philosophy, it lacks a well-

defined set of techniques (Halbur & Halbur, 2010). The primary goal of the therapy is to explore

humanistic philosophy related to life, death, isolation, and meaning in order to cultivate a deeper

understanding of human existence (Corey, 2017). Although individuals may eventually attain a

deeper awareness of purpose and meaning, existential therapy lacks concrete techniques to

implement change. Because of these limitations, I believe existential therapy would be best

utilized conjunctively with other theoretical orientations that would preserve the philosophical

integrity of existentialism, yet allow for identifying goals and developing a plan for change. The

primary objective of my integrated, multidisciplinary model would be to strive towards a holistic

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therapeutic orientation that would help clients examine themselves within the social context of

their past, attain a deeper understanding of their present, and assess goals for the future.

The two forms of therapy I chose to integrate with the existential platform are Adlerian

therapy and reality therapy because of the contributions they could make in expanding the

existential theoretical model. Both theories share existentialism's tenets of individual choice,

freedom, and responsibility, making them theoretically compatible for integrating into practice

with existentialism (Robey,Wubbolding, & Malters, 2017). Integration would expand

existentialism's approach by introducing techniques that could broaden the existential paradigm

and facilitate change.

Integrating Adlerian Therapy

Adlerian therapy is a humanistic, goal-oriented approach which explores the effects of

social determinants on personality development and espouses an individual's ability to change

by reorienting perceptions and beliefs (Corey, 2017). Much like existential therapy, the Adlerian

approach recognizes an individual's ability to choose their fate and embraces the

phenomenological perspective (Corey, 2017).

As part of the therapeutic process, Adlerian therapists utilize a broad range of techniques

adaptable to each client. The techniques allow for exploring the client's unique situation by

assessing a client's lifestyle, exploring family orientation, examining birth order and family

constellation, helping clients identify errors in their private logic, exploring early recollections,

and viewing a person in their social context (Corey, 2017). These techniques attempt to assess

the client's lifestyle in the social context of the past and present, while cultivating social interest

as part of future objectives (Halbur & Halbur, 2010). Because existential therapy works towards

confronting isolation, integrating the Adlerian objective of cultivating healthy, authentic

relationships would address the therapeutic objectives of both theories (Tarsha, 2016).
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Strengths of the Adlerian approach are that it is a positive, goal-oriented methodology

that allows for adaptability of techniques to clients and their respective situations (Corey, 2017).

Because of its humanistic perspective, Adlerian therapy is universally appealing, making it ideal

for multicultural counseling. Its interpersonal emphasis and phenomenological nature make it

ideal for integrating with existentialism for multicultural application. Adler's emphasis on free

will, free choice, and the belief that individuals possess the ability to choose behaviors align with

the existentialistic perspective (Halbur & Halbur, 2010). What some consider lacking with the

Adlerian approach is that it could be considered conceptually vague and difficult to validate

empirically (Corey, 2017). I believe techniques of Adlerian therapy can be selectively integrated

with existentialism to gain a more holistic understanding of an individual's social orientation and

phenomenological perspective.

Integrating Reality Therapy

Reality therapy, which evolved from choice theory, recognizes behavior as purposeful

and intentional, ie., teleological. Individuals seek to satisfy their need for meaningful

relationships and are motivated to attain defined objectives such as survival, power, freedom,

fun, and belonging (Corey, 2017). Reality therapy is ideal to integrate with existentialism

because of its orientation towards identifying goals and developing a plan of action. Because

behavior is viewed as purposeful, individuals are encouraged to assess their wants, evaluate their

behavior, and exercise the freedom to make choices based on this self-assessment (Corey, 2017).

Key techniques of reality therapy include utilizing skillful questioning and applying the "WDEP"

model which provides a theoretical framework for the client to explore wants, evaluate behavior

and direction, and implement a plan for change (Corey, 2017). The techniques are action-

oriented and require the client to self-evaluate and establish an effective plan for change. A good
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plan is defined as simple, attainable, measurable, immediate and involved, and controlled,

committed to, and continuously done ("SAMIC 3") (Corey, 2017).

Because a recognized strength of reality therapy is that the techniques are well-

delineated, easy to apply, and action-oriented, I believe reality therapy would be ideal to

integrate into the philosophical framework of existentialism. Reality therapy utilizes a

constructive model that emphasizes the freedom to define goals, evaluate behavior and take

responsibility for implementing changes, themes integral to existentialism (Corey, 2017). Since

reality therapy does not typically emphasize self-exploration, one of its inherent deficits,

integrating existentialism into its theoretical model can help an individual with self-awareness of

their human condition as part of the therapeutic process. Another recognized deficiency of reality

therapy is its failure to recognize the influence of social and cultural factors on behavior, making

Adlerian therapy's lifestyle assessment and family and social analysis ideal for integrating into

this multidisciplinary approach. Consequentially, I believe integrating these three major

psychotherapy orientations into my personal theoretical model would be an effective way of

capitalizing on the strengths and compensating for the limitations of each orientation.

Integrative Model

The theoretical compatibility of reality therapy and Adlerian therapy make them both

ideal to integrate with existentialism. Not only do both theories share the optimistic view that

individuals possess the power to change their own lives, but also exhibit an orientation towards

identifying goals and developing plans for action (Robey et al., 2017). Both theories emphasize

the significance of social interest and share the belief with existentialism that people have the

ability to take responsibility for their own behavior and make effective choices (Corey, 2017).

Exploring an individual's choices from the philosophical platform of existentialism allows for an

effective self-reflective, integrative therapeutic model. Existential therapy does not confine the
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therapist to specific techniques or interventions, making it an ideal platform to integrate with the

psychodynamic approach of Adlerian therapy and the pragmatic approach of reality therapy

(Halbur & Halbur, 2010). Clients can effectively utilize the Adlerian lifestyle assessment and the

"WDEP" model towards constructing an existential roadmap that could lead to a more fulfilling

lifestyle (Robey et al., 2017).

Application/Setting

Application would be ideally suited for individuals, groups, couples and family settings

with wide application to clients suffering from a broad range of humanistic issues such as

depression, anxiety, and those experiencing life transitions. In particular, this approach could be

useful for those experiencing a life crisis or developmental challenges such as marital failure, job

loss, death, and life changes (Corey, 2017). According to Rollo May, existentialism seeks to

analyze the structure of human existence that could ultimately lead to "an understanding of the

reality underlying all situations of human beings in crisis." (May, Angel, & Ellenberger, 1958,

p.7) I believe an integrative model could effectively address a broad range of human problems

and alleviate social issues that impede personal growth. Since reality therapy and Adlerian

therapy recognize that humans are motivated by social engagements and quality relationships,

these could be integrated as therapeutic objectives. After establishing a sound therapeutic

alliance, clients would be asked existential questions related to how they are presently living and

how they are willing to live (Schneider, 2016). Understanding a client's social upbringing would

be relevant to addressing issues of belonging, social relevance, purpose, isolation, and meaning.

As a client attains a level of self-awareness of their social and familial upbringing, efforts could

be made to assess present and future orientations using the WDEP model while establishing

concrete objectives. Utilizing reality therapy's didactic approach of directive questioning, a

therapist could direct a client to assess their current behavior, examine whether their behavior is
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meeting current objectives, and address their willingness to change (Corey, 2017). As part of

striving towards self-awareness, clients would be encouraged to identify their strengths and

abilities as a constructive way to work towards change. An integral objective of this integrated

model would be to help the client define their purpose, be aware of their ability to direct their

lives, assess their desires and behavior, and strive for inner growth and change. By applying this

integrated approach, clients can experience existential realities and a better understanding of

their social orientation while constructing a plan for change. I believe integrating the goal-

oriented approach of reality therapy and social-orientation of Adlerian therapy to existentialism

can lead to a more effective and holistic theoretical orientation.

Anticipated Outcomes/Client Changes

The positive, proactive approach of this model facilitates exploring available choices and

capitalizing on the freedom to choose, which are inherent to the self-deterministic philosophy of

all three theories. Emphasis on an individual's strengths and capacity for change allows for

exploring the universal themes of existentialism (ie., death, isolation, and meaninglessness) in a

positive manner by expounding on the possibilities and opportunities of existence (Corey, 2017).

By seeking a balance between understanding the existential dimensions of human existence with

the possibilities for change and growth, a therapist utilizing this integrative approach can help

navigate a client on a path from awareness and acceptance to personal growth and change.

Applying this integrated model to a group setting could encourage members to collaboratively

engage in self-exploration, make wants, needs and behavior self-assessments, and openly

cultivate plans for change. As individuals overcome the life issues that are deeply important to

them, they can begin to cultivate new, more aligned paths (Schneider, 2016). After carefully

constructing their lifestyle and social orientation, clients can evolve to cultivate more meaningful

social connections in their lives as they make more effective choices. These new possibilities can
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come in the form of a new job, new relationship, or cultivating more authentic relationships.

Ideally, the client would grow beyond specific goals as they attain more awareness in the

therapeutic process and eventually come to embrace the freedom and possibility that life offers

(Schneider, 2016).

Application to Diversity Settings

Because existential theory is based on fundamental human themes, this integrated model

is ideal for application to diversity issues and effective for groups and multicultural settings. The

universal themes of existentialism transcend cultural boundaries, making it appealing for diverse

populations (Corey, 2017). Further, combining Adlerian's humanistic approach expands this

universal appeal making it readily adaptable to diversity situations because of its interpersonal

emphasis and phenomenological approach. A therapist can adapt the exploration of social

context, family constellation, etc. in the lifestyle assessment appropriately to a client's social,

cultural realities while integrating the approach with an existential platform. Furthermore, since

reality therapy is based on universal principles and the phenomenological perspective, therapists

can help clients explore options within their cultural context. Principles of this integrative model

could be adapted accordingly to respective cultures and be extremely effective in multicultural

counseling. A limitation of this approach is that it may not be ideally suited for those not

interested in a self-exploratory process or not motivated to change. It may not also be a good fit

for those with poor verbal skills or seeking immediate intervention. This integrative model is

intended to be flexible and explore complex issues in a goal-oriented manner.

Regardless of the theoretical orientation applied, cultivating an authentic client-therapist

relationship is essential to therapeutic outcomes in this integrative model. An authentic

therapeutic relationship is the most conducive environment for emotional healing. All therapeutic
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approaches therefore should be thoughtfully selected and applied to best address the interests of

the individual and their respective situations. Because all three theories rely heavily on the

quality of the therapeutic alliance, cultivating an authentic relationship would be an essential part

of the therapeutic process (Corey, 2017).

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe an explorative, solution-based therapy is possible by integrating

the techniques of reality therapy and Adlerian therapy to existential theory. By utilizing a

multidisciplinary orientation, therapists can create a goal-oriented model that encourages self-

exploration and growth while developing a plan for change. This integrated model could assist

clients in gaining an awareness into how their social context has shaped their development and

behavior and how they can cultivate social objectives to address existential concerns. By

applying the solution-based techniques of reality therapy to existential therapy, a therapist can

establish a venue for exploring choices, capitalize on the freedom to make choices, and define

one's existence in meaningful ways within society. By embracing the phenomenological world of

the client, both Adlerian therapy and reality therapy allow for preserving the exploration of the

subjective reality of the client while exploring humanistic issues such as death, freedom,

isolation, and meaninglessness (Corey, 2017). Because existential therapy is recognized for its

philosophical ideology, not its techniques, integrating both the goal-oriented approach of reality

therapy and the social-orientation techniques of Adlerian therapy allows for capitalizing on each

theory's respective strengths while compensating for their limitations. The role of an existential-

based counselor would not be to liberate a client from the anxiety created from humanistic

issues, but to act as a catalyst to help the client become more self-aware so they can make

healthier life choices (Corey, 2017). By utilizing this integrated model, I believe therapists can

effectively navigate clients from awareness and self-exploration to change.

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References

Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Boston, MA: Cengage

Learning.

Halbur, D. & Halbur, K. (2010). Developing your theoretical orientation in counseling

and psychotherapy. New York, NY: Allyn & Bacon/Prentice Hall.

May, R. E., Ernest, A., & Ellenberger, H. (1958). Existence: A new dimension in psychiatry and

psychology. New York, NY: Basic Books.

Robey, P.A., Wubbolding, R.E., & Malters, M. (2017). A comparison of choice theory and

reality therapy to Adlerian Individual Psychology. The Journal of Individual

Psychology,73(4), 283-294. University of Texas Press. doi:10.1353/jip.2017.0024

Schneider, K. J. (2016). Existential-integrative therapy: Foundational implications for integrative

practice. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 26(1), 49-55. doi:10.1037/a0039632

Tarsha, A.A. (2016). The role of Existential Therapy in the prevention of social media-driven

anxiety. Existential Analysis, 27(2), 49-55. Retrieved from

http://www.existentialanalysis.co.uk/page22.html

Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. New York, NY: Basic Books.