What is one of the primary goals of Adlerian Therapy?

One of the primary goals of Adlerian Therapy is to develop social interest and reduce self-defeating behavior. This approach, created by Alfred Adler, emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and social connectedness in an individual's mental health. Adler believed that humans are inherently social beings, and fostering a sense of social interest — the ability to care for and empathize with others in a community — is essential for achieving personal growth and overcoming feelings of inferiority or isolation.

Reducing self-defeating behavior is another critical component of Adlerian Therapy. Individuals are encouraged to understand and modify maladaptive patterns that hinder their personal development and relationships with others. By cultivating social interest and addressing self-defeating behaviors, individuals can experience greater fulfillment and well-being in their lives. This goal is central to aiding patients in finding purpose and meaning through their connections with others.

In contrast, other options focus on different therapeutic goals. For example, maximizing personal financial gain does not align with Adlerian principles, which prioritize social interconnectedness rather than material success. Analyzing and interpreting dreams is more characteristic of Freudian therapy, which places a heavier emphasis on unconscious processes rather than social interest. Lastly, focusing on familial structures might be relevant in certain therapeutic contexts but