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Discussion of CCWAA, Vol. 5, Chapt. XLI-XLIII (Compulsion, Occupation, & Philosophy)
On August 1st, we will begin a discussion of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 5, Chapters XLI-XLIII. The following chapter summaries were prepared by Manu Jaaskelainen
Ch. XLI Individual-Psychological Profile of a Compulsion Neurosis(1926)is another case study. The case is based on a lecture (as, in fact, many Adler's papers are), so one can read and hear Adler's eloquent voice when he is presenting the case. The client is a thirty-year old woman from a lower middle-class family with strong religious beliefs. She would like marry, but she fear well-accustomed setbacks from another woman (originally the sister). Obsessive thoughts of sin and repentance are her way to keep the voice of social challenges low. Thus, she attained a kind of morally superior position and was able to keep distance to the customary challenges of life. Adler thinks that the client needs to have a frame of reference that is typical of a true fellow-human being. She needs encouragement. The therapy was successful. Ch XLII Occupational Aptitude and Occupational Interest (1926) is a paper by Adler describing the usual process of occupational counseling. Then, suddenly, the paper takes a critical turn. After describing the customary interviews, tests, and physical and psychological examinations, Adler says that any truly outstanding achievement is always attained only in a struggle with inner or external difficulties. Who among the occupational counselors would have advised the profession of public speaking to this stuttering weak, Demosthenes? Who would have suggested the study of music to Beethoven having diagnosed his inherited otosclerosis and knowing its ominous outcome? "The chances for greater occupational aptitude are better for encumbered children; such aptitude, of course, must be utilized ... He who overcomes, wins!" Ch. XLIII Individual Psychology. Its Significance in Treating Neuroses, in Upbringing, and for a Philosophy of Life (1926) is a study on the possibilities of Individual Psychology. Adler starts his paper with some comments on organ inferiority and inferiority feeling. He warns us about the excessive expectations of the teachers and parents that the young people are not able to meet. Adler refers once again to Pierre Janet, Henri Bergson, and Shakespeare. Adler rejects the idea of inborn talents. Once again, he refers to Goethe: "He who overcomes, will win!" There is a short philosophical reflection in the end of the chapter. Man lives in the cosmos, bounded by its unlimited horizons. He meets the challenges of the unhospitable world alone, but, at the same time, with fellow human beings. Learning to adapt itself to the social challenges, mankind may slowly free itself from the feelings of loneliness and uselessness. "All great accomplishments of mankind are derived from the absolute logic of human relationships." To order your copy of Volume 5, go to http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cwaa-v5.htm . |
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