Rudolf Dreikurs's technique for identifying the unconscious goal behind problem behavior. Four goals: attention, power, revenge, display of inadequacy. The diagnostic key is the therapist's feelings: irritation points to the goal of attention, anger to power, hurt to revenge, despair to inadequacy.
Step-by-step guide
- Observe the client's problem behavior (in life or in session)
- Pay attention to your own feelings in response to this behavior
- Identify the goal using Dreikurs's table
- Check the hypothesis: 'Could it be that when you do [behavior], you are trying to [goal]?'
- Explore the belief behind the goal
- Offer an alternative route to belonging
When to use
- In recurring conflicts in relationships
- When the client's behavior provokes strong feelings in the therapist
- In work with children and adolescents
- When the client is 'stuck' in a destructive pattern
Key phrases
Could it be that when you act this way, you are really trying to…
I notice that when this happens, I feel… And what do others feel?
Follow-up questions
What do you want to get when you behave this way?
How do people around you react? Is that what you expected?
Alternative phrasings
If I could read minds, what would you like me to understand?
What would it be like to get attention/control/respect by another route?
Warnings
- ⚠️ The goals are unconscious — do not accuse the client of intentionality
- ⚠️ Use your own feelings as a tool, not as a reason to react
- ⚠️ In adults the goals may be less obvious than in children
Source: Dreikurs R. Soltz V. Children: The Challenge
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.