The Adlerian approach: a practical psychology for family practice.

A systematic approach to understanding the patient's personality and helping him cope with common life problems is found in Adlerian Psychology. It is uniquely appropriate to family practice because it stresses the interpersonal purposes of behavior and symptoms and the influence of family constellation on the development of the individual life-style. By obtaining a small amount of data about the patient's present life situation and his family of origin, the physician can gain a basis for understanding how the patient developed his unique way of acting and reacting to the physical and social stresses of life. Interpretation of two or three early recollections reveals what the patient expects of himself, others, and life. The insight thus gained is used as the basis for a holistic assessment of the problem; a directive, supportive, action-oriented plan for treatment; and an ongoing doctor-patient relationship of mutual respect.