On March 13th, we will begin a discussion of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 8, Chapters III & IV. The following chapter summaries were prepared by Manu Jaaskelainen.
Ch III
Postgraduate Lecture No. 3 is a study of the symptoms and syndromes of the neurotic person. There is much information on the problems of sleep and dreaming. Adler begins his lecture with a warning: it is necessary to know as much as possible of the organic problems the client may have. No organic deficiency should be overlooked. Neurotic problems involve a tendency to be on the retreat, to defend oneself against the threats of the outer world. So there is always a degree of egocentricity involved. Illness and pain may have certain function in the life style of the client; what this function might be, should be carefully studied. Adler proceeds to present some cases where clients have had dreams with a clear meaning; dreams are for Adler, means of preparing oneself for the challenges of the life, and analyzing the existing individual problems the client may have. Then Adler discusses the problems of sleeplessness. This problem may have a psychological background, and it is important to know what it might be. Adler is against the easy use of medication in these cases. If provided with medication, the client may have a dependency problem, in addition to his/her other problems. Adler ends this lecture with some viewpoints on social interest; it is active, not passive. It does mean that you belong to some clubs, but that you really contribute to the welfare of other people.
Ch IV
Postgraduate Lecture No. 4 continues the discussion of various symptoms. Adler starts with the problems of stuttering. Adler thinks that stuttering occurs because language means social communication, so there must always be some failure in developing cooperation behind this problem. Today, we know that certain problems of comunication may occur in connection ADHD syndrome, so be careful in drawing too hasty conclusions. Adler continues with two case illustrations. The discussion on stuttering is continued in the next chapter. In the interpretation of his two cases, Adler is using all the available methods of interpretation at his disposal, so these cases give a very good idea what IP in the making really means.
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