The central diagnostic tool of Adlerian therapy. The client relates the earliest childhood memories — concrete episodes, not repeated events. Out of thousands of memories a person keeps precisely those that confirm their style of life; they function as a projective test revealing basic beliefs about the self, others, and the world.
Step-by-step guide
- Ask the client to close their eyes and recall the earliest memory — a specific episode, not a repeated event
- Clarify the age, who was present, what exactly was happening
- Ask: which moment is the most vivid, like a photograph?
- Ask: what did you feel at that moment?
- Collect 3-6 memories
- Look for recurring themes across all the memories — this is the key to the style of life
When to use
- In the lifestyle-investigation stage (phase 2)
- When you need to understand the client's basic beliefs
- When updating the diagnostic hypothesis
- In early sessions, to gather material
Key phrases
Tell me your earliest recollection — the very first thing you remember from childhood
Close your eyes. What is the earliest image from childhood that comes up?
Follow-up questions
How old were you?
Who else was in that scene?
Which moment is the most vivid?
What did you feel?
Alternative phrasings
Tell me another early recollection — which one comes up?
Is there a memory you return to often?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not interpret each memory separately — look for the pattern across them all
- ⚠️ It must be a specific episode, not 'we went to the dacha every summer'
- ⚠️ Do not rush the client — give time to settle in
Source: Adler A. What Life Could Mean to You
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.