Counseling Theory - Coursework Example

Alder’s approach is individualistic and as such departs from the Freudian concept that everyone can be viewed as having the same mannerisms and motivations for coping with human demands. For Alder, the individual’s response system is influenced by individual factors such as “social history” which “fashions his or her personality in a unique way” (Day 2008, p. 176). In this regard, Alerian psychology is holistic in nature and appropriate for counselling students who are developing as individuals.

Students can also be influenced by peers and in this regard, Alderian psychology as an integrated part of my student development counselling approaches can help the student to develop independence. Alderian psychology takes the position that “personal choice” is very important (Day 2008, p. 176). In addition to providing the potential for change, personal choice or the freedom to make choices also emphasizes that the individual is responsible for his or her own conduct although we may not always be comfortable accepting this burden.

Therefore Alderian psychology is also referred to as “existential” since it targets complexities of being such as “freedom, choice, responsibility and the meaning of life” (Day 2008, p. 176). The student will, therefore, learn that only he/she can take responsibility for his/her conduct.The style of life theory will be integrated into my counselling program to help the student build character. The style of life theory features prominently in Alderian psychology. It refers to those elements that direct the character and are established by the time the individual is 6 years old.

These elements are virtually static and unchanging during the individual’s lifetime. They include the “internal sources of” an individual’s “values, beliefs, goals, and interests” (Day 2008, p. 177).  Style of life will, therefore, play a significant role in how the individual interprets his or her own experiences.  Style of life is thus not unlike the individual personality in that it is constant and influential throughout the lifespan (Day 2008, p. 177).