Applications of individual psychology to therapy and training groups

Abstract

The text presents an in-depth analysis of Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology and its application in therapeutic group settings. Alfred Adler, the founder of Individual Psychology, emphasised the importance of interpersonal relationships and social feeling as key elements in psychic well-being. His vision extended beyond individual therapy, recognising the value of group work as a therapeutic tool. Psychic life is characterised by an interplay between the need to assert oneself and social feeling. In the group context, it is crucial to observe how these two aspects manifest themselves and balance each other. The fundamental aspects for the success of a group psychotherapy project are focused on, starting from the constitution of the group up to the role of the trainer and the therapeutic project, aimed at promoting the development of social feeling and psychic well-being through the recognition of the other, the creation of a climate of mutual respect and willingness to listen, and the promotion of the capacity for identification and sharing experiences. In short, the Adlerian approach to group therapy is based on a solid understanding of interpersonal dynamics and the enhancement of social feeling, which are essential elements for promoting the participants' psychic health and well-being