The Adlerian therapist gives concrete tasks linked to the client's life tasks. The task must be small, concrete, and achievable — not 'become more confident', but 'at tomorrow's meeting, voice one idea'. The aim: translate insight into action and create the experience of new behavior.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify which life task is active (work, friendship, love)
- Together formulate a concrete step
- Make sure the task is achievable — small but meaningful
- Discuss possible obstacles
- Next session: what happened? What got in the way? What did you learn?
When to use
- At the end of each session in the reorientation stage
- When there is insight but no action
- To consolidate new behavior
- When the client is avoiding one of the life tasks
Key phrases
What would you like to try this week — something small but concrete?
What one step are you ready to take?
Follow-up questions
Is this step small enough that you can definitely do it?
What might get in the way? How will you handle that?
Alternative phrasings
If you could do one thing differently this week — what would it be?
Let's agree on something concrete
Warnings
- ⚠️ A task is not a teacher's homework. It is a shared decision
- ⚠️ Do not punish non-completion — inquire what got in the way
- ⚠️ The task should connect to a life task, not to the symptom
Source: Mosak H. Maniacci M. A Primer of Adlerian Psychology
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.