The premise of Adlerian group work is that:

The premise of Adlerian group work emphasizes that clients' problems are usually of a social nature. This perspective reflects Alfred Adler's belief that individuals are inherently social beings whose personal issues are deeply intertwined with their social contexts. Adler posited that many psychological struggles arise from feelings of inadequacy, isolation, or inferiority—issues that often manifest in relationships with others.

In a group setting, clients have the opportunity to explore these social dynamics and gain insight into how their interactions with others influence their challenges. This approach fosters an environment where individuals can support each other, sharing experiences that reveal commonalities in their social difficulties. Such interactions can lead to a collective understanding and personal growth as group members work together to navigate their issues, thus highlighting the crucial social aspect of Adlerian therapy.

This understanding of problems as socially rooted distinguishes Adlerian therapy from other therapeutic approaches that might focus predominantly on individual experiences, past history, or competitive dynamics, making the social nature of the difficulties a central tenet of Adlerian group work.