Founders of Therapy: Alfred Adler and Our Need to Belong
The Origins of Modern Psychotherapy – Part 3
What drives human behavior?
For many years, psychologists debated whether people are primarily motivated by unconscious conflicts, rewards and punishments, or biological drives. Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler offered a different and surprisingly modern answer: much of what we do is shaped by our need to belong, feel significant, and contribute meaningfully to others.
While many of Adler’s original theories have been refined or revised over time, his emphasis on social connection and purpose continues to influence modern psychotherapy, counseling, and developmental psychology.
"Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations."
— Alfred Adler, Understanding Human Nature (1927)
Who Was Alfred Adler?
Alfred Adler (1870–1937) was an Austrian physician and psychotherapist who initially worked alongside Sigmund Freud in the early development of psychoanalysis. However, Adler eventually broke away from Freud to develop his own approach, known as Individual Psychology.
Despite its name, Individual Psychology is not focused on isolation or individual traits alone. Instead, Adler emphasized that human beings are inherently social- shaped by relationships, family systems, community, and culture.
Adler shifted the question from “What is wrong with this person?” to:
“What is this person striving toward, and how do their experiences shape that direction?”
That shift remains central in many modern, strengths-based approaches to therapy.
The Human Need to Belong
Adler believed that one of the most fundamental human motivations is the desire to belong- to feel connected, valued, and meaningful within a social world.
When that need is met, people tend to experience greater resilience, confidence, and psychological well-being. When it is unmet, individuals may struggle with loneliness, anxiety, discouragement, or maladaptive coping strategies.
Modern psychological research strongly supports the importance of social connection. Studies consistently show that supportive relationships are linked to better mental health outcomes, physical health, and even longevity (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).
Adler’s early intuition about belonging has become one of the most well-supported ideas in contemporary psychology.
Inferiority, Compensation, and Growth
Adler is often associated with the concept of inferiority feelings- the idea that all people experience moments of inadequacy or limitation.
Importantly, Adler did not view these feelings as pathological. Instead, he believed they could serve as motivation for growth, learning, and improvement.
Problems arise when feelings of inferiority become overwhelming or rigid, leading individuals to believe they are fundamentally incapable or unworthy.
Modern therapy often explores similar themes through self-esteem work, cognitive restructuring, and strengths-based interventions.
"The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well."
— Alfred Adler (widely attributed; reflective of Adler’s writings on shared human imperfection)
While this quote is commonly attributed to Adler in secondary sources, it reflects a broader theme in his work: psychological struggles are universal, not signs of personal defect.
We Are Goal-Oriented Beings
One of Adler’s most forward-thinking contributions was the idea that human behavior is goal-directed.
Rather than being driven only by past experiences, Adler believed people also move toward imagined future goals—often unconsciously.
For example:
A person who avoids conflict may be striving for safety or acceptance.
A perfectionist may be striving to avoid criticism or rejection.
A people-pleaser may be striving to maintain connection and approval.
A withdrawn individual may be striving to protect themselves from further hurt.
Understanding behavior in terms of purpose rather than just cause is a perspective widely used in modern therapy today.
Encouragement and Social Interest
Adler introduced the concept of social interest (Gemeinschaftsgefühl), which refers to a sense of connection, cooperation, and contribution to the well-being of others.
He believed that mental health was closely tied to how well individuals are integrated into their communities.
A core principle of Adlerian thought is encouragement—helping people recognize strengths, build confidence, and move toward meaningful goals.
Modern therapeutic approaches such as strengths-based counseling, solution-focused therapy, and aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy reflect similar principles.
What Modern Therapy Says
While Adler’s ideas about personality structure and early theoretical models have evolved, his emphasis on social context and purpose remains highly relevant.
Modern psychotherapy generally integrates Adler’s insights in more empirically supported ways, including:
The importance of social support in mental health
The role of beliefs and interpretations in emotional distress
The impact of early family dynamics on relational patterns
The value of strengths-based and goal-oriented treatment
Contemporary research in psychology continues to confirm that belonging, connection, and perceived meaning are central components of well-being.
What Can We Learn from Adler Today?
Adler reminds us that people do not exist in isolation.
Our mental health is shaped not only by internal thoughts and emotions, but also by relationships, community, and the sense that we matter to others.
Therapy can help individuals:
Understand patterns that interfere with connection
Challenge beliefs of inferiority or inadequacy
Develop healthier ways of relating to others
Build a stronger sense of purpose and belonging
Insight is important- but connection often becomes the context where change is sustained.
The Bottom Line
Alfred Adler believed that human beings are fundamentally social creatures motivated by belonging, purpose, and contribution.
While modern psychology has refined many of his original theories, his emphasis on connection and meaning continues to influence how therapists understand mental health today.
Adler’s work reminds us that psychological well-being is not only about understanding ourselves—but also about understanding our place in the world and the people around us.
Ready to Better Understand Yourself?
Many of the struggles people bring to therapy- feeling disconnected, stuck, or not “good enough”- are deeply tied to our need for belonging and meaning.
At ThinkSpot Therapy, our licensed therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, families, and teens. We work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and more, with an emphasis on understanding both internal experiences and relational patterns.
If you're ready to take the next step, we're here to help. Contact ThinkSpot Therapy today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our therapy services.
Editorial Note
This article is part of our Founders of Therapy educational series. It explores the historical contributions of influential psychologists while distinguishing those contributions from contemporary evidence-based psychotherapy. Historical theories are presented in context and should not be interpreted as current clinical recommendations unless supported by modern research.
Further Reading
Primary Works
Adler, A. (1927). Understanding Human Nature.
Adler, A. (1931). What Life Could Mean to You.
Adler, A. (1927–1937). The Practice and Theory of Individual Psychology.
Recommended Books
Ansbacher, H. L., & Ansbacher, R. R. (Eds.). The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler.
Carlson, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2017). Adlerian Therapy.
References
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
Adler, A. (1927). Understanding Human Nature. Greenberg.
Adler, A. (1931). What Life Could Mean to You. Little, Brown and Company.
Next in our Founders of Therapy series:Carl Rogers and Unconditional Positive Regard—how empathy, acceptance, and genuine human connection reshaped modern psychotherapy.