Adler became very well-known for influential lectures on psychotherapy, which was only beginning to emerge as a discipline. He was able to build a flourishing school that promoted an understanding of human behavior that focused on healthy relationships. Adler believed that patient evaluation must be holistic. It should include how well the person could navigate vital spheres like their occupation, their family life, or their role in society. He also emphasized that humans have a desire to cooperate for social good and that doing so can improve their personal satisfaction and mental health. Adlerian counseling guided patients on improving their lives with practical action that increased their confidence and helped them find a positive role in their communities. Adler was also notable for not using the Freudian therapy structure of having the patient lay on a couch and not look at his therapist. Adler’s counseling setup was two chairs that allowed eye contact between patient and therapist because it created a more equalizing environment. When World War I broke out, Adler left his work to serve as a doctor for the Austrian Army. After the war, he established several clinics throughout Austria that educated parents on child psychology. He trained parents, social workers, and teachers to create opportunities for children to learn cooperation and empowerment. During this time, Adler also promoted his influential Birth Order theory which posited that personalities were influenced by when a child was born, in comparison to any siblings. For example, the firstborn child would enjoy the full attention of his parents and become resentful after a younger sibling is born. By contrast, the youngest child would be overindulged and develop less empathy. Although modern scientific studies on this theory have been inconclusive, it continues to be used as guidance for personality insights. During the next 20 years, Adler went on popular lecture tours all over both Europe and the United States. He was an influential speaker who promoted the value of psychology for society. Adler believed that regular people should learn the principles of psychology to understand themselves and others better. They could also make practical use of this knowledge to improve their community. Adler’s vision was to cultivate confident, community-oriented, mentally healthy individuals who could contribute to the common good. The Adlerian concept of gemeinschaftsgefühl, which means a sense of community, was the ultimate goal of his techniques. The term refers to a united society where people have compassion for each other.
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