Adlerian Group Counseling and Therapy: Step-by-Step James Robert Bitter, Ed.D. Adlerian Training Institute East Tennessee State University

Adlerian Group Therapy: Is a form of Adlerian Brief Therapy; Parallels effective living in everyday life; Engages peers in the process and support of change within individuals and the group.

Five who influenced me and the development of this model Alfred Adler (1870 – 1937) Rudolf Dreikurs (1897 – 1972) Virginia Satir (1916 – 1988) Erv & Miriam Polster

Alfred Adler Adler was the first systemic therapist; he developed the first social psychology based on the idea that all human behavior is purposeful and must be understood in context.

Rudolf Dreikurs Dreikurs was a colleague of Alfred Adler; he is responsible for the extension of Adler’s work into the North & South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Virginia Satir Satir is considered in the United States to have been the mother of family therapy; her systemic approach focused on the development of self- esteem, communica- tion, human process, & validation.

Erv & Miriam Polster The Heart of Gestalt Therapy

Groups require and support democracy Groups encourage the development of voice; Groups are experiential learning; Groups provide support & encouragement; Groups engage in values-clarification; Groups initiate & develop what Adler called “a community feeling” and its implementation in social interest.

Qualities of Group Leadership Presence Assertiveness and confidence Courage and risk Acceptance, interest, & caring Modeling & collaboration Adaptability & a sense of humor Holism: Listening teleologically & working in patterns Tending the group process

Initial Steps: Meeting group members –Adlerians do not pre-screen members –Democracy requires acceptance of all Establishing group agreements rather than laying down ground rules or imposing structure Facilitating a subjective interview

Psychological Investigations Family Constellation The Tasks of Life Early Recollections “The Question”

Re-orientation & Change Psychological Disclosure Experiment (Engaging in a Safe Emergency) & Experience Group Problem-Solving Group Commitment & Group Support