Individual Psychology is associated with Alfred Adler. The theory aims to describe how individuals' lifestyle pertains to life as a whole. According to this theory, individuals strive for superiority and all behavior is purposeful. The theory is relatively simplistic, and emphasizes the importance of social conditions. Humans have an innate need for power and a need for belonging. Individual Psychologists do not focus on the clients' behavior or symptom itself, but rather that cause of the behavior or symptom.
There are numerous situations in elementary counseling that this theory may apply to. For example, a counselor may want to use the "Acting As If" technique with a student who is struggling socially. In elementary school it is very difficult for some students to make friends, especially students who recently moved to the district. In a scenario when a student lacks confidence, a counselor may suggest that the student "act as if" they have the confidence to make friends and introduce themselves to new students. Eventually, the student won't be "acting as if" anymore. Also, in elementary school students may act out in class for reasons that do not pertain to academia. During my internship experience I had a student who was referred to counseling because he had significant behavioral issues; it turned out that his behavior issues were caused by a severe home situation.
Video: Beginning Diagnostic Assessment
This video relates to Individual Psychology because the counselor focused on why the client is struggling, and spent little time talking about her current struggle as a single mother. The client talked about how she sees herself as a person who likes roller coasters rather than the merry go round, meaning that she seeks adventure and likes taking risks. The counselor took this into account and then he focused on that fact that she is oldest child. She has always had high aspirations and a desire to try to please others. By getting to know her better and asking her questions the counselor became to realize why she was struggling. It seemed like her was inferring that her desire to please others but still take risks is the cause of her current issue.
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