In a candid and deeply personal conversation, Walt and Joel swept through the heart of psychological healing by comparing the monumental theories of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler.
Their discussion wasn’t just academic, it was a journey through lived experience, confronting trauma, growth, and the real meaning of moving forward.
The conversation began with Walt asking, “Why is it that while almost everyone has heard of Sigmund Freud, so few know of Alfred Adler?” Joel’s answer went beyond history. “Adler saw the world from a different angle,” he shared. “While Freud believed the past defined us, Adler taught that our future can pull us forward.”
This became a running theme: Freud’s focus on unending cycles of trauma versus Adler’s determination to move beyond hurt.
Joel opened up about his own practice, saying, “I use Adler’s concepts often in my work—cognitive behavioral therapy, moving towards improvement and the right mindset.” Walt pressed: “Is this a controversial stance?” Joel didn’t shy away. “There’s a belief that focusing on action ignores the victim’s pain, but I see moving forward as honoring healing, not erasing suffering.”
A striking question from the dialogue: “Does talking about the same trauma for years help, or does it trap us?” Joel recounted a case where a woman spent fifteen years in therapy over an unverifiable trauma. His approach: “Why don’t we pick a side and focus on fixing your life now?” This cuts to the core of the issue, can endless searching for causes actually debilitate our present?
Walt and Joel agreed that trauma is real, but its definition does not have to become our identity. “Are we supposed to wear our diagnoses as badges for life?” Joel asked. They shared stories of young clients who could only describe themselves through disorders, missing out on their true selves and joys. “What do you enjoy? Who are you beyond your diagnosis?” Joel’s compassionate questioning broke through defenses and uncovered hope.
Another emotional highlight: the struggle of those who simply aren’t ready for help. Walt shared advice given to a new therapist: “It’s not your job to fix them; you provide the tools, they must want change.” This compassionate boundary reminded listeners that healing is a partnership, not a rescue mission.
The dialogue wasn’t just about psychology, it was about action, self-definition, and courage. “Why is it so hard to let go of pain?” Walt wondered. Joel responded honestly: “Sometimes people aren’t ready. But no one else can heal for us. We need to want it, and be willing to do the work.”
Their conversation closes with a hope that more people, and more practitioners, will blend the best of both worlds - honoring past wounds but never being trapped by them. It’s a call to action for anyone who feels defined by yesterday, offering the promise: today, you can begin a new chapter.
LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/adler-vs-freud
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