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Adlerian Therapy &
Play Therapy
A collaborative, strengths-based approach for children, teens, and adults
Adlerian therapy is a warm, respectful approach to counseling that focuses on understanding people within the context of their relationships, life experiences, and goals. Developed by psychologist Alfred Adler, this approach is grounded in the belief that every person is striving to belong, contribute, and live a meaningful life.
At Calming Communities, Adlerian therapy aligns beautifully with our belief that people grow through connection, encouragement, and understanding. Rather than focusing on “fixing” a person, Adlerian therapy helps individuals understand themselves, their relationships, and the patterns that shape their lives.
For children, teens, and adults alike, the goal is to build insight, confidence, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Adlerian therapy is built on several powerful ideas about human growth and development.
1. People are wired for connection and belonging
Humans are social beings. Our sense of belonging—within our families, schools, workplaces, and communities—plays a major role in our emotional well-being.
2. Our early experiences shape how we see the world
Adlerian therapists explore how early childhood experiences influence beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. These beliefs often guide our behaviors and relationships long into adulthood.
3. Behavior has a purpose
Instead of viewing behaviors as “bad” or “problematic,” Adlerian therapy asks: What need is this behavior trying to meet? Understanding the purpose behind behavior helps create compassionate and effective change.
4. Encouragement fuels growth
Encouragement is one of the most important tools in Adlerian therapy. When people feel capable and valued, they are more able to take healthy risks, develop confidence, and build meaningful relationships.
5. People can choose new paths
Even when patterns feel deeply ingrained, Adlerian therapy believes people always have the capacity to grow, rethink old beliefs, and move toward healthier goals.
Adlerian therapy is collaborative, curious, and supportive. Rather than the therapist acting as an authority who “diagnoses and fixes,” the therapist works alongside you to explore your experiences and discover new possibilities.
In sessions, you might:
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Explore patterns in relationships or family dynamics
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Reflect on early memories and life experiences
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Identify beliefs about yourself and the world that may be shaping your choices
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Strengthen self-understanding and self-confidence
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Develop new ways of responding to challenges
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Practice skills for communication, emotional regulation, and connection
Many people describe Adlerian therapy as insightful, encouraging, and empowering. It focuses not only on understanding the past, but also on helping you move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Adlerian Play Therapy for Children
With children, Adlerian therapy often happens through play therapy and family involvement. Children naturally communicate through play, creativity, and imagination, and Adlerian therapists use these forms of expression to understand the child’s world. Talking is not a requirement or even necessarily encouraged. All the change occurs through play.
This approach helps children:
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Develop confidence and emotional regulation
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Strengthen social and relationship skills
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Feel a stronger sense of belonging within their family and school
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Express feelings and experiences in safe, developmentally appropriate ways
Parents are often included in the process so that the child’s growth can be supported in everyday life.
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Adolescence is a time of identity development, independence, and changing relationships. Adlerian therapy provides a supportive space for teens to explore who they are and how they want to engage with the world.
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Teens may work on:
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Self-confidence and identity development
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Peer relationships and social stress
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Academic pressure and motivation
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Emotional regulation and communication
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Navigating family relationships and independence
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The focus is on helping teens feel capable, understood, and empowered to make choices that align with their values and goals.
Adlerian Therapy for Teens
Adlerian Therapy for Adults
For adults, Adlerian therapy offers an opportunity to reflect on life patterns and create meaningful change.
Adults often explore:
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Relationship patterns and communication styles
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Parenting challenges and family dynamics
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Career or life direction
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Stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation
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Self-worth and personal identity
Many adults find Adlerian therapy helpful because it connects past experiences with present challenges while focusing on building a meaningful future.
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Research across decades of psychotherapy studies consistently shows something important: most therapy approaches are similarly effective for most mental health concerns.
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What makes the biggest difference in therapy outcomes is not the specific technique used, but:
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The strength of the relationship between therapist and client
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The client feeling understood and supported
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The therapist’s warmth, authenticity, and skill
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The sense that the approach fits the client’s values and personality
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In other words, the right therapeutic relationship matters more than the specific therapy model.
The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship
Finding the Right Fit for You
If the ideas behind Adlerian therapy—encouragement, belonging, insight, and growth—resonate with you, it may be a good fit for your therapy journey.
As you explore therapy options, it can be helpful to ask yourself:
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Do I feel comfortable with this therapist?
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Do the ideas and values of this approach make sense to me?
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Do I feel hopeful and understood in this process?
Therapy works best when the approach feels aligned with who you are and what you need.
At Calming Communities, our goal is to create a supportive space where children, teens, and adults can explore their experiences, strengthen their sense of belonging, and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
ADHD Therapists with Openings
Click the photo to reach out now!
Sofie Gonzalez Nuñez
Kathleen Goforth
Krysta Porras Gonzales
Rachel Johnson
