In applying the principles of Adlerian family counseling, which of the following is NOT accurate?

• A. All children are expected to participate in family counseling.
• B. The basic counseling goal is to improve parent/child and other relationships in the family.
• C. Action techniques such as role playing are not used.
• D. The family constellation is addressed during the initial interview.

Answer: (C)

In Adlerian family counseling, action techniques like role playing are used to help families experience and practice new ways of relating, test alternative interaction patterns, and build cooperation and social interest. That makes the statement that such techniques are not used inaccurate.

The basic goal is indeed to improve parent/child and other relationships within the family, reflecting the emphasis on belonging and healthier family functioning. In Adlerian practice, the family is viewed as a system, and the aim is to shift interaction patterns to promote harmony and cooperation. The family constellation is explored during the initial interview to map relationships, loyalties, and dynamics that influence current behavior. Finally, involving all relevant family members in the process is consistent with Adlerian principles, since understanding the whole family system is essential to meaningful change.

So the statement that action techniques such as role playing are not used does not fit Adlerian practice.