According to Adlerian therapy, how is anxiety conceptualized?

In Adlerian therapy, anxiety is conceptualized as a signal related to goals and social interests. This perspective places emphasis on the individual's unique striving for significance and connection within their social context. Rather than viewing anxiety merely as a negative symptom to be treated or suppressed, Adlerian theory understands it as a natural response that can provide important insights into an individual's life goals, motivations, and relationships.

By recognizing anxiety in this way, therapists can help clients explore the underlying reasons for their feelings, guiding them to better understand their social interests and how these relate to their aspirations. This understanding encourages clients to acknowledge their feelings of anxiety as meaningful indicators of what they may be striving towards, rather than as obstacles to be avoided or quelled. Therefore, this approach promotes personal growth and social connectedness, which are core tenets of Adlerian therapy.