The Adlerian theory has very much peaked my interest.

There were several components about it that I found myself embracing with zero rejection. I appreciate the holistic ideas behind behavior and how this theory believes that behavior is purposeful and goal oriented. I believe that once an individual has a goal set in life (whether it be financial success, artistic fame, etc.) all his choices will be shaped around achieving this specific goal. This follows the suggestion in the Adlerian theory that choice and responsibility are of high importance. I also value the idea that human behavior is based on our capacity to interpret, influence, and create events. These are such crucial ideas to human success. Interpretation may take a long time to master, but being able to see the cause and affect of things in life and events that are out of ones control helps bring awareness of ones own power. Once the power to influence and create is recognized, a person has the ability to change the world. Connecting to all of humanity allows a person to learn, grow, and share ideas with other people. The ability to establishing meaningful and purposeful relationships ties directly into the three social tasks the Adlerian Theory dictates. Forming friendships, finding love and marriage, and contributing to society through the Adlerian Theory provides a clear structure and emphasis on growing as an individual and a valued member of society. I feel that there are so many amazing ideas behind this theory that can be utilized in a therapeutic setting. Adlers phenomenological idea focuses on the therapist paying attention to how his client perceives the world is such an important key to understanding him. Helping a client strive for success and completion to me

is healthier than trying to uncover what lies in his unconsciousness. The holistic approach that a client cannot be understood in parts seems so much more organic because as humans we are complex creatures. You cannot evaluate somebody without examining all parts of them. Our emotions, physical appearance, health, and environment molds us into who we are. It is important to observe all of these features in order to understand an individual. Changing weakness into strength, looking for themes in a persons life, and using a persons thoughts, feelings, beliefs, convictions, attitudes to express their own uniqueness comes across as a natural form of therapy. I really love this theory because it is not about changing a person, but for embracing who they are. I also like the early recollection tool for assessment. I think it comes off as a very organic and non-threatening form of assessment. I value the existential theory because it is a way of thinking and not committed to staying within certain boundaries that typically follow a specific style of psychotherapy. I do believe that we are free and responsible to our own choices but only to a certain extent. I think it is impossible to not be influenced by our environment, family, education, and media channels. We are a society who almost depends on many of these things. I appreciate the idea behind existential thinking in regards to respecting the person and understanding people along with common dilemmas. The suggestions following the capacity for self-awareness are well thought out with much accuracy; However, I reject that idea that we are basically alone. We share a planet with nature, animals, and other human beings. It is impossible to be

alone. I embrace the characteristic of the existential theme that people play a large role in shaping their own destiny. I think every person is born with the chance to become whatever he or she may dream to be. Will it always be easy? No. But, with the strength to recognize the ability is imperative to ones success. I also believe that this cannot be done without striving for ones identity as the existential theory proposes. I respect the existential theory that many people find trouble finding themselves because of the beliefs, directions, answers, and values we practice and learn from important people in our lives. I reject the idea of searching for meaning on such a deep level. I feel that someone can waste so much time looking for this one true ideal to reveal itself. I think our meaning in life is revealed to us by finding happiness in something we love doing. Or, in the three tasks suggested in the Adlerian theory. For me, utilizing the existential theory in therapy would depend on the client. I do feel that there are people who are deeply connected to trying to understand the world in a nonconformed way. Individuals who may reject new ideas or following rules. These clients may have limited self-awareness as discussed in the readings. I also think that the existentialists theories can be useful because it is flexible and can be tailored to address the individuals specific needs. Through this theory a client can choose how he or she wants to exist in this world. Helping him or her find their meaning in life using a sense of freedom and independence that diverts from the requirements of normal psychotherapy. When balanced, the combinations of the existential masters ideals with the Adlerian trinity of social,

humanitarian and interpersonal relationship success can create a goal-oriented, well-structured program that meets the needs of the individual client.