The Adrelian theory best applies in Deirdre situation. Alfred Adler postulates that human beings have an inherent inferiority complex and, are influenced by their birth order (Capuzzi, & Gross, 2011). He maintains that children are born vulnerable and in need of attention. To compensate for this gap, they push themselves to achieve more to overcome the feeling of inferiority as well as prove themselves to others. This theory also holds that the birth order determines one's personality (Capuzzi, & Gross, 2011). First-born children have high feelings of inadequacy which some overcome while others do not. The middle children feel less of this pressure and have no drive to prove themselves to anyone while the last born children experience heightened levels of inferiority due to the feeling that they need to measure up to their older siblings (Capuzzi, & Gross, 2011). The patient is an only child whose upbringing has led to her unstable mental status.
The two interventions that will be suitable for this case are a brief mindfulness therapy and a schema therapy. According to Vision Psychology, mindfulness therapy can help treat feelings of low self-esteem while schema therapy can address the anxiety that stems from her upbringing. The mindfulness therapy will be focused on helping the patient to achieve the unity of the individual, overcome their feelings of inadequacies and gain confidence. The schema therapy will be used in identifying issues from the patient’s childhood that may cause her anxiety and panic attacks. Through mindfulness, she will be talked into facing her past, separating her past fears from the present and gaining control over her emotions. After talking sessions, Ms. Passario will be given activities to undertake with targets aimed at improving her confidence. Activities will include participating in class at least 5 times a week, initiating conversation with at least 3 strangers per month.
These two treatments will help Ms. Passario to overcome low self-esteem, anxiety and panic attacks which originate from her upbringing. The therapy will help her recognize her feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. It will help her feel in control of her life, get over her mother’s emotional abuse and build her confidence.
References
Capuzzi, D. & Gross, D. R. (Eds.). (2011). Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and Interventions. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association
Vision Psychology (2016)."Counseling Strategies". Visionpsychology.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Mar. 2016.
