Adler

Adlerian therapy
emphasizes social
interest and the way in
which individuals form
their self concept and
worth through
comparisons with others

Vygotsky
A learning theory based on
the premise that learning
occurs through the
interaction of the child
with their social
environment and their
peers. Two key concepts
are scaffolding and the
zone of proximal
development (ZPD).
Erickson
Ericksons
developmental theory
looks at psychosocial
development across the
lifespan. He suggests
that healthy resolution
of a series of social crises
leads to a more healthy
development of self.
Counseling, Learning, and Developmental Theory Integration
Alyssa Santacroce
Emphasize social learning and how interaction with others forms the basis for self
concept and learning
Vygotsky emphasizes the use of private speech to inform decisions and self concept.
In Adlerian Therapy, one common technique confronts unhealthy private speech and
shows how certain circular thoughts can be detrimental to mental health.
Practice and theory are integral to learning and development of self in childhood
according to both theorists.
Adler and Vygotsky both recognized the importance of culture and its role in
providing artifacts and constructs for development.
Both put an emphasis on childhood as pivotal periods of development that shape
the rest of life, childhood learning is foundational for the rest of life and is an
incredibly important time.




In order to utilize a childs ZPD, the teacher or counselor needs to consider the
childs developmental stage. Vygotsky suggests that learning within each ZPD does
not just increase knowledge of skills and facts, but also increases gains in child
development. This social development is correlated with the kind of social crises the
children must resolve to develop in a healthy way.
Social stages defined by Erickson during preschool and elementary school ages are
defined by the importance of social interactions and the gathering of knowledge,
both of which are important to Vygotskys learning theory as well.
Educators can provide an environment that promotes the healthy advancement of
ego identity development for adolescents, a theory espoused by Vygotsky in a stage
defined by Erickson.
Both stress the importance of culture and environment in development. Social
roles are developed by interactions with culture.
Reciprocal learning is a part of both of these theories- we learn from children as
much as they learn from us. Keeping this is mind is important for a successful
classroom and also for successful resolution of developmental stages.