Cowen, Jordan 1

A Deeper Understanding of the Three Major Counseling Theories:

Adlerian Theory, Cognitive Behavior Theory, and Solution Brief Theory

Jordan Cowen

CNDV 5311 Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques

Lamar University
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A Deeper Understanding of the Three Major Counseling Theories: Adlerian Theory, Cognitive

Behavior Theory, and Solution Brief Theory

There are three major theories that therapist use when counseling clients. Adlerian

Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Brief Focused Therapy will be discussed

and analyzed throughout this paper. I will be discussing the key concepts, therapeutic process,

and application of techniques and procedures of each theory. I will also be providing a reflection

that gives my perspective and view of how client’s problems originate, and how therapist can

best help their clients.

Adlerian Theory

Key Concepts

Alfed Adler is the inspiration and creator of the Adlerian Theory. Alfred Adler was a

sick and accident prone child. (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010) He had brother that died which

enabled his mom to pamper and spoil him until another child came into the picture (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). When Adler felt less important to his mother, Adler searched for attention

from his friends which caused him to become socially interested. He was a struggling student

growing up who eventually changed and became academically successful. He longed to deepen

his understanding of people and how to help them. He believed belied people can change when

focusing on goals and life. He was interested in the total person, how they responded to their

social life (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

According to the Adlerian theory, people grow based on their connections with others,

their life style, developing, and achieving goals (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Early

childhood experiences play an integral part in future development. Social context and family

dynamics are both oriented with the present and future. Behavior is a goal which can be
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achieved and developed. Human development is not just biological but can be creative.

Adlerianst believe that behavior can be channeled, and we p[‘;;;]

\as humans work to achieve rewarding and meaningful goals (Seligman & Reichenberg,

2010). We create a lifestyle that leads to positive sense, and we are connected to people and

communities so that work can be satisfying. Heredity can play a part in people’s development,

but humans can be empowered to change (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

There are three main concepts to the Adlerian theory: socio, teleo, and analytic

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). First, the socio aspect focuses on the fact that people have

the need to belong. The teleo concept focuses on the fact that we as people are goal striving

based on the power to change our behavior. They analytic part emphasizes that people lives

must be analyzed in order to bring goals and a life style to the conscience level (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). Under those three main concepts Adler touched on the feeling of

inferiority, family constellation, life style, goal setting, and social interest. The Adlerian theory

believes that at young age the feeling of inferiority can impact growth (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). How children handle their feelings affect their growth developmentally.

Also, the composition of a family, role and birth order can impact development. Children are

also affected by how they are similar and different from their families. Next, goals enable people

to become aware of their faulty logic (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). They allow people to

establish healthy and rewarding realistic goals. Once goals are established, people can align their

lifestyle, thinking, and behavior with them. Lastly, Adlerians believe that we are driven by being

a part of a community (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Creating goals to contribute to a

society helps us create or develop that social interest (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Therapeutic Process
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Adler’s theory is one in which optimism and growth is emphasized. Adler believed in a

strong, goal sharing, trusty worth, and respectful relationship between the client and the clinician

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The client and clinician would collaborate together to create

goals that promoted growth and development. The clinician is expected to help foster social

interest and teach people to modify their lifestyles and behaviors. Clinician also would explore

and interpret the meaning of client’s birth order, goals, and life style to help establish purposeful

goals (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Clients are constantly encouraged by their therapist,

and they are also pushed to take risk and accept their own mistakes. The clinician can then help

people understand that heredity and early experiences is what shapes their lifestyle. Although,

therapist must challenge the client to develop new goals and construct positive social interest and

behaviors, so that the client can modify their lifestyle (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Application: Techniques and Procedures

There are four stages with the Adlerian Theory Treatment process. The four stages

merge and overlap, but are all necessary in promoting growth and development. The four stages

are (1) establishment of collaborative therapeutic relationship, (2) assessment, analysis, and

understanding of the person and the problem, (3) encouragement of change through

interpretation, and (4) reorientation by turning insight into action and focusing on asses rather

than weakness (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Phase one advocates that the therapeutic

relationship between client and clinician is important in the treatment process. Adler believed

that the clinician must be a true listener that was emphatically involved (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). That collaborative relationship must exist so that the problem is clear, and

the treatment process is agreed upon together. Phase two promotes an in-depth lifestyle

assessment, so that the client can provide detailed information on background and functionality
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(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The assessment will focus on lifestyle, family constellation

and birth order, dreams, earliest recollections, and priorities and ways of behaving. After an

extensive process of exploring the client, the clinician can create the appropriate intervention

plan that will not interfere with the background of the client (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Phase three is where the therapist must be encouraging, but also promotes self awareness of

one’s lifestyle (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is where the client will recognize the

reasons behind their behavior, and realize the negative consequences of their actions. Then move

forward with positive growth. The therapist must continue to be encouraging and promote

making constructive choices. The last phase focuses on clinician nurturing the client’s view of

their new lifestyle and perspective (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The encourage becoming

that participant in the new lifestyle, and taking positive action to encourage the client achieve

that goal. This is a time to point out gains and move forward to a more fulfilling lifestyle.

This theory is used among a wide range of people and situations. Since this theory focus

on lifestyle and private logic, many use interventions have been created to help a variety of

people and groups (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Most common issues are adaptable

treatment using the Adlerian therapy. People that suffer from depression, low-self esteem,

traumatic experiences, and social issues can benefit from this theory (Seligman & Reichenberg,

2010). The social interest and family constellation is widely appealed for diverse groups. The

theory is flexible and focuses on positive strengths. This helps people emerge from feeling

inferiorly to anyone which allows people that are different, diverse, or have a disability

overcome those negative feelings (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is a theory of

empowerment and helps people of all different backgrounds.

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The strengths outnumber the weakness to Adlerian theory. This theory is relevant to our

society today (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). One limitation is that the theory doesn’t give

much importance to biological or genetic influences (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Although, his theory is very easily combined with contemporary theories, it provides structure to

life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Key Concepts

Cognitive behavior therapy is not strongly associated with just one name. Many people

have contributed to this therapy and its evolvement. This therapy is continually changing, but

plays a huge role in providing helpful strategies to a diverse group of people and clients

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Behavior therapy focuses on specific behaviors with the goal of changing or modifying

behavior (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Cognitive therapy combines behavioral therapy

with cognitive therapy to approach thoughts and action. Cognitive behavioral therapy combines

behavior techniques and conventional reconstructing and is used as a multi-component treatment

( Sharma & Andrade, 2012). One unique aspect about CBT is that the therapy varies. Therapy

depends on the client, situation, and setting (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). There are five

main concepts that CBT is based off of. There first one is applied behavioral analysis. This

approach looks into one’s background and how it is impacted by the environment (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010)t. The second concept is neo- behaviorism. This concept focuses on

conditioning and learning responses. Social learning is the third concept, and this approach

focuses on cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect behavior (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). The fourth concept is cognitive behavioral therapy which looks at how
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cognitions shape behaviors and emotions. The last concept is multimodal, and it focuses on a

more holistic approach to assessment and treatment (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). It also

uses a range of approaches. Personality is also an importance concept in CBT. The theory

states that children are born with three basic structures that form personality, and that personality

is shaped through learning (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Our behaviors are driven from

others and our own thoughts (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Therapeutic Process

Behavioral therapy is integrated with cognitive to create strong treatment. CBT

puts thoughts over behavior but combine both approaches for the best treatment. Strategies used

during treatment are not intended to give background information, but they are intended to help

the client realize how they act, think, and feel (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). CBT

encompasses goals that are related to changing of thoughts. It is important for people to realize

their dysfunctional thoughts and change the underlying cogitations. Setting goals must inquire

both behaviors and cognitions. CBT is very structured, but does require a strong therapeutic

alliance (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The clinician must assume the role as leader or

teacher so that they can facilitate and encourage the client. Clients must also fully participate in

the treatment process and take responsibility in the treatment process. Also, Therapist must

incorporate both behavioral and cognitive strategies to create specific change (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). Lastly CBT uses a variety of interventions and strategies assist clients in

growth. Many cognitive and behavioral strategies are combined so that the client is able to be

impacted (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Application: Techniques and Procedures

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One of the most known approaches to treatment using CBT is Meichenbaum’s Cognitive

Behavior Modification (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is one approach that really use

cognitive and behavior and interchanges them to best fit the need of the client. The first

component is constructive narrative which gives the idea that people create their own reality.

The second part of this approach is information processing (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Information processing gets into the person’s main cognitions that are distorted (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). The last is conditioning. Cognitions are viewed as behaviors that have

been conditioned (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). In order for this treatment to work

cognitive interventions must be used to that reframing can take place. Examples of cognitive

strategies include strategies to improve thinking, to curtail self-destructive thoughts, improve

coping skills, and to reinforce positive behavior (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

. Therapy can be used with people that have axis 1 disorders such a depression, anxiety,

PTSP, eating disorders, and insomnia (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). CBT can empower a

variety of people and a variety of problems. CBT offers a straight forward approach that is

flexible with broad treatment. It is an encouraging approach that helps people develop skills to

make sure behaviors are meaningfully changed. Even thought this theory can be powerful and

effective, there are a few limitations. One limitation being that emotions are not focused on as

much as they should be, and another is that the client sometimes does not get to take on full

responsibility of their treatment process as much as they should (Seligman & Reichenberg,

2010). This treatment should be combined with other treatment when needed (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010).

Solution Focused Brief Theory

Key Concepts
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No one name is directly associated to the development of Solution Focused Brief Theory.

Many ideas, theorist, and people play huge roles in creating a theory that focuses on the solution

rather than the problem(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Behavior and cognitive behavioral

treatment helped shape the underpinnings of SFBT. The approaches demonstrated that changing

actions and thoughts have an impact on people’s lives (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Brief

treatment building on ongoing changes in people can be effective and powerful.

Solution focused brief theory focuses on minimizing past experiences and takes a deeper

look at client’s strengths and previous success. Problem solving is not a concern, but using

useful behaviors to construct a solution for the problem is. SFBT finds alternatives to undesired

thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It uses small change to create big change in one’s life. The

focus is not diagnosing or treating the problem, but helping the client finding their own solution

through goals, strategies, recourses, and personal strengths. (Trepper, McCollum, De Jong,

Korman, Gingerich & Franklin). SFBT assumes that people are doing the best they can with

what they have readily available for them to use(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Their beliefs

stem from complaints that involve their world view and their behavior is a reflection of their

views. This theory states that one has the ability to solve their own difficulties but temporarily

lose direction and awareness(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). In SFBT reality is not fixed or

static(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). There is not one right or wrong way to view things. It

is all in how the person decides to dissolve the issue. Many believe that the solution is not

directly related to the problem, but people can transform their problem into solutions (Seligman

& Reichenberg, 2010).

Therapeutic Process
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The therapeutic process in SFBT uses language of change by connecting what the client

says and creating conversation that leads to change. Using change language helps the client see

self motivation and positive qualities. (Trepper, McCollum, De Jong, Korman, Gingerich &

Franklin). There are seven stages that complete the treatment process. The stages are short, and

the main goal is to seek solutions. SFBT feels strongly that all people have the strength to

change, but have just lost sight, confidence, and direction (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Strong relationship between the client and clinician help enhance the client to commit to change.

The clinician should be a role model and help suggest solutions that will impact the client’s life

positively. The clinician believes that change is inevitable and the positive supporting

relationship will help the client seek their own solution. Identifying the problem, establishing

goals, designing intervention, strategic task, positive new behaviors, stabilization, and lastly

termination of treatment are the seven stages of treatment in SFBT (Seligman & Reichenberg,

2010). Time is also very important in the therapeutic process. Most treatment is short, but

focuses on patterns. Lastly, finding solutions to resolve complains is an essential component in

SFBT. Therapist must work very articulately in find strategies that are likely to be successful

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Application: Techniques and Procedures

An environment that is able to accomplish change is highly important, and therapist must

be able create change talk as well. Conversation is an important tool when using SFBT. Solution

talk is one technique that is critical in the treatment process. Choosing words carefully and

providing strategies to the client is another technique (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Making

use of frequent words such as change and possibility is important as well. Identifying

expectations is important in leading people to solutions. Solution prescription such has

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modifying helpful behaviors and helping people move forward is another. All of the techniques

above are to assist the client discover ways to resolve their own concerns. Conversation,

encouragement, and suggestion are all highly useful in SFBT.

SFBT has been proven to work well with people families, couples, and groups (Seligman

& Reichenberg, 2010). It is also successful with people that need brief counseling, or people

that are in need of crisis counseling (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). SFBT is also used in

schools where behavior problems are a concern. SFBT is best at taking a small success, looking

at the effort put in, and helping to enhance treatment for people who suffer from a variety of

disorders (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

SFBT should not be the primary treatment for server or urgent emotional issues. The

clinician must be skillful and purposeful with assessment that can be creative with intervention

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Brief treatment is usually not the only treatment needed; it

can become dangerous if an organization or counselor practices that way (Seligman &

Reichenberg, 2010). Sometimes the result is that people fail to receive the treatment that is

actually needed. Also, because SFBT is so focused on the solution, sometimes the problem is

over looked which can be of great importance(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010).

Overall, SFBT is effective and efficient with a multitude of problems and is usually

received by the client. It is encouraging and empowering approach that allows people to think in

a new way. It also enables people to use available resources and find their own strength when

addressing future difficulties.

Personal Reflection

Counseling theories can be divided into four main categories called BETA. Behavior,

Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions are the components that make up BETA(Seligman &
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Reichenberg, 2010). I am going to be reflecting over the Adlerian theory which falls under the

B, behavior component. Alfred Adler once stated that behavior is purposeful and goal directed

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Changed behavior can promote growth, and that behavior

patterns reflect the lifestyle. Adlerians also believe that behavior reflects how we perceive our

world (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Past experiences shape our lives, behaviors, thoughts,

and emotions. Treatment is used to help remove those blocks from the past and heal wounds, so

that harmful behaviors aren’t repeated.

After thoroughly looking at several different theories, my counseling philosophy and

heart most resemble the Adlerian theory approach. Since I come from and education

background, I feel strongly that people are what they make of themselves. Every year when I am

faced with another new group of students, I feel that every student as new chance to prove of

themselves. I am challenged to teach every student no matter their background or lifestyle, so I

firmly believe that if I create a positive self motivating atmosphere for students to learn they will

become successful. I believe that people are driven by social interest, they are affected by their

backgrounds, but that everyone has a chance to rise and become something.

According to the Adlerian theory, faulty logic is what can cause problems and pain for

people (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Faulty logic is when people are maladjusted and

focused on themselves (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). They care strictly on their own needs,

and fail to recognize the importance of social context and the needs of others. When people are

lacking social interest and belonging to a group anxiety and inferiority set in. Also, private logic,

which is the image created in our head of what life should look like, is what drives us as people

(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is where the picture is painted of what goals should

look like, what our attitude and behaviors should be. If our private logic is not healthy, then we
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are not stable. Another, concept that causes problems is the feeling of inferiority. Especially

during childhood, and how children are treated at an early age can affect the issues they have in

the future.

Clients can be best helped by numerous interventions, strategies, and approaches. I feel

that clients can best be helped by the therapist and client having a collaborative relationship,

understanding the client, encouraging the client, and by focusing on the client’s assets. Having a

collaborative relationship among the client and clinician is very important, so that the clinician

can teach the client to modify their behaviors (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Empathy is

also an important element in assisting people that are in need. The client must feel that the

therapist is invested in his/her problem, and understands what is going on in order for the client

to progress. Secondly, the client must be assessed and analyzed. Therapy focus should be on in-

depth assessment (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The assessment will look at background

and lifestyle, so that the theorist can get detailed insight to the client’s life. Understanding the

family make up, lifestyle, and early recollections are all important sources that shine light on

one’s current life. Once clinicians explore the assessment, they can interpret the confrontation

that the client might be having with achieving their goal. Next, remaining supportive while using

information from the assessment to get the client to become aware of their lifestyle is the next

step in helping clients(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The client must find reasons for those

behaviors and began to move toward positive change. Lastly, once the client has become aware

of their behavior and modified their distorted beliefs, they can then start the new patterns of

behaviors (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The therapist then make sure the client has made

that shift, and that they are able to make positive choices to achieve goals.
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Learning about the different theories has been insightful and meaningful especially when

learning how to be an effective counselor. It is helpful to look into the theories concepts,

treatment process, and application of treatment. As an aspiring school counselor, I feel that my

future students will best benefit from a behavior based theory, Adlerian. Working in an

environment where behavior plays such an influential part of one’s life is why I have chose to

side with this therapy. Although I have chosen this one particular therapy, I am convinced I will

use pieces and parts of the other major theories too. I am looking forward to being a flexible

counselor who can understand and empathizes with clients.

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References

Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. (2010). Alfred adler and individual psychology. In Theories of

Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 ed., pp. 61-81). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Education, Inc.

Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. (2010). Behavior therapy and cognitive- behavior therapy. In

Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 ed., pp. 310-337). Upper Saddle River, NJ:

Pearson Education, Inc.

Seligman., & Reichenberg, (2010). Solution-focused brief therapy. In Theories of Counseling

and Psychotherapy, Systems, Strategies, and Skills (3 ed., pp. 359-377). Upper Saddle

River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

Sharma, M.p., & Andrade, C (2012). Behavioral interventions for insomnia: Theory and

practice. Indian Journal Of Psychiatry, 54(4), 359-366. Doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.104825

Trepper, T., McCollum, E., De Jong, P., Korman, H., Gingerich, W., & Franklin, C. Institution

for Solution Focused Therapy, (n.d.). Solution focused therapy Treatment Manual for

Working with Individuals Research Committee of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Association.