A systematic assessment of Adler's three (or five) life tasks: work, friendship, love (+ relationship with oneself, existential meaning). The therapist explores which tasks the client manages well, which are avoided, and what balance there is between them. Neurosis is always an evasion of one or more tasks.
Step-by-step guide
- Ask about each life task: work, friendship, love
- Assess: where is the client functioning well? Where do they avoid?
- Explore: what gets in the way? What beliefs sit behind the avoidance?
- Link to the symptom: how does the symptom 'protect' from the task?
- Identify the priority direction of the work
When to use
- At the start of therapy for diagnostic orientation
- When the client complains about 'everything' and it is unclear what specifically
- To define the focus of work
- When revising therapy goals
Key phrases
Let's look at three large areas of your life: work, friendship, love. Where are you doing well? Where is it difficult?
In which of the three areas is it hardest for you right now?
Follow-up questions
What gets in your way in this area? What frightens you?
What belief sits behind this avoidance?
Alternative phrasings
If your life were a three-legged stool — which leg is wobbling?
What would change if you stopped avoiding this area?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not assess 'objectively' — what matters is the client's subjective experience
- ⚠️ Do not press on the 'weak' area — the client avoids it for a reason
- ⚠️ Sometimes the fourth task (relationship with oneself) matters more than the first three
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.