Classical Adlerian psychotherapy is characterized by a diplomatic, warm, empathic, and Socratic style of treatment. This climate embodies the qualities of respect and equality necessary for building a trusting, cooperative relationship. A full psychotherapy can be envisioned as a progression though twelve stages, however, these stages should be considered as teaching guidelines and should not be interpreted as a systematic procedure. Psychotherapy is an art that must be practiced creatively. The best therapeutic strategy is frequently a unique invention for the individual client.

GENERAL NOTES

1. Throughout all of the stages, a variety of treatment strategies are utilized to stimulate cognitive, affective, and behavioral change.
• The Socratic method guides clients to: clarify meanings, reasons, and feelings; gain insight into intentions and consequences; consider alternative opportunities; reach rational decisions; and generate effective plans for action.
• Guided and eidetic imagery techniques facilitate affective awareness, change, and growth. By providing a "missing developmental experience," we can offer a deep level of acceptance, support, and encouragement that frequently dissolves the residues of early, painful, inferiority feelings, and discouragement.
• Role-playing and "future scenarios" provide safe and encouraging behavioral preparation and practice. Progressive positive and/or negative circumstances can be devised to build confidence in dealing with difficult or unfamiliar experiences.
2. Classical Adlerian psychotherapy has the potential for bringing each individual to an optimal level of personal, interpersonal, and occupational functioning.
   • For many clients, however, brief therapy is the limit of their current interest or budget, and therapy therefore stops somewhere between the fourth and sixth stages. Normally this involves modest behavioral and cognitive change. Treatment may be resumed at a later date to continue the desired therapeutic progress.
   • A complete psychotherapy targets deeper attitude and personality change. The limits of the style of life are at least reduced, and sometimes eliminated, opening the door for fully functioning, creative living.
   • Some clients, after completing the twelve stages, may wish to discuss philosophical and/or spiritual issues. This stage of meta-therapy represents a transcendance from the deficiency motivation inherent in a style of life to the "meta-motivation" of higher values. (For additional information, read The Farther Reaches of Human Nature, by Abraham Malsow.)
3. For more detailed information about the stages of psychotherapy, the task, goals, and techniques of treatment, see distance training courses Individual Adult Psychotherapy - Parts I & II.
4. For a comprehensive overview of Adlerian psychology, read Classical Adlerian Theory and Practice.