Did Group Therapy Start with Adler? Why Human Connection Leads to Recovery
Did group therapy start with Adler? The psychology of "human connection"
When you hear the word "counseling," you might think of a one-on-one session.
However, many human problems arise within human relationships.
That is precisely why recovery also occurs within relationships with others.
In fact, it was Adlerian psychology that put this idea into practice early on.
The origin of group therapy
First, I would like you to look at this quote.
Since I am a group therapist, I will focus on talking about group therapy.
Before that, I would like to do a little studying and review the history of group therapy or group counseling. The reason is that it was actually Adler (*1) and Adlerians (Adlerian psychologists) who started group therapy.
These words show that Adlerian psychology placed great importance on "human connection."
Adlerian psychology considers human problems to be deeply intertwined with interpersonal relationships.
Inferiority complexes, anxiety, and loneliness are often born from "comparison with others" or "fear of rejection."
Therefore, there are times when you cannot escape them just by continuing to think about them alone.
Why groups change people
In group therapy, you meet people who have similar suffering to your own.
Then, people begin to feel,
"I wasn't the only one."
This feeling is very significant.
This feeling is very significant.
You may also have had the experience of your heart feeling a little lighter the moment you felt "understood."
Adlerian psychology places great importance on this.
People are difficult to change through denial or commands.
However, they begin to change within a relationship where they feel secure.
Feeling that you 'belong here' is what allows a person to recover.
It might be 'connection' that changes your life.
The modern era is one where it is easy to think, 'I must do my best all by myself.'
But Adlerian psychology looked at the opposite from the very beginning.
People suffer when they are isolated.
That is precisely why human connection is necessary.
Of course, there is no need to force yourself to be in a group.
However, a place where you can talk with peace of mind and a relationship where you can exist without being denied have the potential to change your life significantly.
The fact that the history of group therapy began with Adler symbolizes this.
People are hurt in relationships with others, and they recover in relationships with others.
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The moment you open 'Group and Meditation: Discussing Adlerian Psychology,' you are confronted with 'the limits of trying to change alone.' Shunsaku Noda's words bring to light the reality of the changes that occur within relationships with others, and before you know it, your own perspective and way of interacting have been rewritten—it is a book that puts an end to lonely efforts.
Shunsaku Noda is a leading practitioner of Adlerian psychology in Japan who studied at the Alfred Adler Institute in Chicago and contributed significantly to its popularization while being influenced by the American Adlerian school (Dreikurs tradition).The first president of the Japanese Society of Adlerian Psychology. A leading expert on Adlerian psychology in Japan!