How does life coaching fit with Adlerian philosophy?
Adler’s philosophy is that our movement through life is towards a purpose. We may not recognize the most effective path to achieve our purpose, but we are constantly striving. Adler emphasized encouragement as a powerful support, beyond advice, praise or reprimand. Coaching capitalizes on these Adlerian tenets and more. Clients come to coaching wishing to advance in a variety of life areas – work, family, health, financial, social, creative, and spiritual. The holistic approach of the Adlerian model recognizes the relationship amongst all the aspects of our lives. Adler often described a person as being both artist and canvas. Coaches hold that our clients are capable of making creative choices and changing their own lives. It is our role as coaches to encourage our clients’ learning, exploration, choice and action. In a way, coaches support their clients to choose a picture of their lives and then live their way into that vision.
