Individual (Adlerian) Psychology

Definition

Individual Psychology, founded by Alfred Adler, is a holistic theory of personality that emphasizes the unity of the individual and the importance of social connectedness. Adler believed that human behavior is purposeful and goal-directed, driven by an innate striving for significance, belonging, and superiority—not over others, but over one’s own limitations. He rejected Freud’s focus on unconscious conflict, instead proposing that feelings of inferiority, developed early in life, motivate people to compensate through growth, achievement, and contribution to the community.

Example

A client who feels overlooked at work might unconsciously compensate by working harder to prove their value. An Adlerian therapist would help the client explore how early experiences of being ignored or undervalued shaped this striving and would guide them toward developing healthier, cooperative goals, such as contributing meaningfully to the team rather than seeking personal validation. Adlerians might also use family constellation analysis to understand how birth order, perceived roles, and early social interactions influence current patterns of behavior.

Why It Matters

Adler’s theory remains influential because it integrates psychological, social, and ethical dimensions of human life. It emphasizes personal responsibility, social interest, and the belief that change is possible when one’s goals and attitudes shift toward cooperation and contribution.
In counseling, education, and community work, Individual Psychology promotes resilience and empowerment by focusing on encouragement rather than diagnosis. Its central message, that people are not defined by their past but by the direction in which they choose to move, continues to resonate with contemporary approaches to mental health and personal growth.