Several treatment models have been used to solve clients’ problems. Each treatment model has a different capacity and is used for different issues. However, there are some treatment models which can be used for specific issues such as food disorders or substance use disorders to general behavioural issues. Most of the treatment takes on the holistic approach, which is used by the client to redeem themselves and gain self-awareness. This paper aims to explore two treatment models: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Adlerian therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a therapy widely used by patients to help manage their issues and problems through the way people think and behave. This therapy is basically a psycho-social intervention used for the improvement of the mental health of people. Initially, the therapy was mainly used for people who have eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, but now the array of treatments has expanded (Meichenbaum, Carlson, & Kjos, 2007). The treatment is now widely used for patients who have anxiety, depression, social disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger problems, and other issues. The therapy is also known as talk therapy because the practitioners discuss with their patients and help them overcome dysfunctional emotions and behaviours. The basic concept of the therapy is that your physical reaction or response is linked with your cognition. It means that your feelings and thoughts are connected with your physical actions and responses.
Adlerian Therapy:
Adlerian Therapy is an approach using the improvement in the mental health of any individual through the educational system. The theory is a system theory that is holistic and cognitive and focuses on the interaction between people and the relationship between partners (Carlson & Sperry, 2006). The focus of the therapy is on the development of the individuals by helping them comprehend their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour, which has an impact on their daily lives. According to Adlerian therapy, people are social beings, and all their behaviours and issues are based on the social context and social situations (Carlson & Sperry, 2006). The primary idea of the theory was based on the thought that successful relationships within communities need mutual respect within families.
History Of Therapies:
Alfred Adler, the renowned philosopher and psychotherapist who lived from 1870 to 1937, first proposed the Adler Therapy. The therapy is also known as individual therapy (Carlson & Sperry, 2006). He stresses the idea that it is essential to understand the individuals within their social context and their living environment. Alfred pioneered the holistic approach and focused on the individual person’s ability to adapt to the concept of inferiority (Carlson & Slavik, 2013).
On the other hand, cognitive behavioural therapy was first proposed by psychiatrist Dr Aaron T. Beck in 1960 (Robertson, 2010). The therapy has been proven effective in treating several mental health issues, and the focus is on the individual basically. The focus of this therapy is on the current problems and the interpretations instead of the past experience. The therapy proposes practical ways to improve the mental health of the patients and solve the issues they face in their daily lives (Robertson, 2010)
Strengths Of The Therapy:
Each of the treatment models has its strengths, which make them better for treating people’s issues.
Adlerian therapy is a significant contribution to the field of psychology and behavioral theories. The therapy is different from the other therapies because it focuses on the interaction of the individual within society. His approach is centred on the beliefs, lifestyles and environmental situations of the people (Louis J. Bevilacqua & Frank M. Dattilio, 2007).
Another important strength of the theory is that the therapy is based on positive encouragement and empowerment of the individuals. Also, the theory is flexible as the idea of the inferiority complex and other issues can be explored through various means such as art, play, and talk therapies (Gurman, 2014). The therapy has the potential to provide counselling and services to all age groups and genders.
Whereas cognitive behavioral therapy also possesses several strengths for patients who are having stress and anxiety as well as food disorders. The therapy can last for a short period of time, as compared to other talk therapies (Butler, Chapman, Forman, & Beck, 2006). The therapy is structured and has several goals that the patients set to achieve. The main aim of the therapy is to gain knowledge about the issues and make changes in the daily lifestyle. The therapist helps devise strategies that can be used even after the treatment is finished (Butler et al., 2006).
Limitation Of The Therapies:
Even though the therapies are of great importance and can be beneficial at several levels, there are several limitations to them.
Adlerian therapy has focused on early childhood experiences and interpretations, but at times, because of harsh memories, the client might not want to explore those memories again (Watts, 2013). Also, in this therapy, there can be difficulties in building trustworthy relations, and the building of the relationship might take more time than usual. Some researchers and counsellors view the therapy as excessively optimistic about human nature and the impact of birth disorder (Watts & Shulman, 2003).
Whereas one of the main limitations of cognitive behavioural therapy is commitment. Several people do not commit to attending all the sessions of the therapy; therefore, the results are not as expected. Also, the primary focus is the individual behaviour, not the environmental context of the individual, which makes it difficult to understand the impact of other factors which might affect the behaviour of the individuals (Beck, 2011). The therapy is basically self-help with the motivation of a therapist, and the individuals might not have the ability or the will to change themselves (Craske, 2010).
The Perspective Of Human Conditions:
Adlerian therapy mainly provides the notion that today’s experiences are based on the interpretations of the experiences we have had since childhood. According to this theory, more than experience, the interpretation of those experiences has a greater impact on everyday life. People need other people to survive in the community, and we need to interact and communicate to live within the community. The three necessary aspects of the therapy which are important to tasks of life are love-intimacy, work, and friendships (Akdoğan, 2017). People are more content when all these necessities of life are completed. The balance of these elements makes the person happy, his/her perception positive, and the overall environment of the community healthy and peaceful. Therapy is one of the psychosocial and educational approaches, which is based on the dedication of individuals towards success, their relationship with other people, and their sense of contribution to society (Watts, 2013). The therapy is useful for all kinds of people regardless of age and gender, as well as for all kinds of relationships, such as single, married, couples, and single parents.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on individuals and their negative thoughts and emotions. This treatment model sees the individuals as the centre, and their thoughts are related to their perceptions. For example, individuals who have food disorders such as anorexia nervosa will have issues with their weight and body image, so this therapy helps these individuals to accept themself and reduce their maladaptive thoughts of the clients (Beck, 2011). According to this therapy, the connection between thought, feeling, and self is deeper, and this connection leads to the reaction or behaviour of the individuals. Therapists tend to be empathetic about the situation of the person and keep their biases aside (Beck, 2011). The therapy is useful for individuals at all levels, regardless of their age and gender.
Stages Of The Therapies:
Stages of Adlerian Therapy process:
The therapy has four fundamental stages, which the practitioner usually uses when treating their patients. The first stage is engagement, in which, through a discussion or a general talk, the practitioner builds a cordial and trustworthy relationship with the client. The trust will help the client to open up and help the counsellor understand the behaviour, thoughts, and past experiences of a person (Kottman & Meany-Walen, 2016). The second stage of the counselling process is the assessment of the client. In this stage, the counsellor tends to get an insight into the client’s issue by exploring the early childhood experiences, family history, and social context of the person. After the proper assessment, the counsellor will devise a treatment plan based on the results of the assessment. Also, the client will be provided with new ways to look at things and perceptions in a different way. This therapy will provide the client with a new outlook on his behaviour and his perceptions. It will also enhance the interaction of the client within the community and with the family members.
Stage Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Process:
The process of treatment for cognitive behavioral therapy is similar to Adlerian therapy. The first phase of the therapy is a behavioral and trust-building phase. In this phase, the psychologist works with the patient to build a trustworthy relationship (Fairburn, Cooper, & Shafran, 2003). After the relationship has been built, the psychologist attempts to assess the issue, the reason behind it, and the client’s other concerns. The second stage of the process is known as the restructuring phase, in which the therapist tries to trigger the patient and raise awareness about their behaviour, as probing in this phase will pose a challenge to the logic of the patient for the behaviour (Meichenbaum et al., 2007). The therapist will help the patient set a goal for the treatment and devise strategies according to the goals.
Preference Of The Treatment Model:
Both therapies are useful for different individuals based on the issue, but Adlerian therapy is preferred over cognitive behavioural therapy because individuals live in a society, and everything is based on the interaction within the society. While understanding the problem of the individuals, it is essential to understand the contexts and other factors that play a role in that behaviour.
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