Mindfulness, Therapeutic Metaphors, and Brain Functioning in Adlerian Therapy: Gemeinschaftsgefühl at Work

Abstract

The relationship of mindfulness, therapeutic metaphors, and brain functioning in Adlerian therapy is an often overlooked concept. Even less known is a therapeutic expression of this connection in Gemeinschaftsgefühl that is key to one’s mental health. Despite gaining popularity in the past few decades, both in medical practice and in nonmedical healing approaches, mindfulness and metaphors are not well operationalized in psychological practice. This article attempts integration of mindfulness and metaphors from an Individual Psychology lens by bringing an understanding of brain pathways and functions involved in the development of Gemeinschaftsgefühl as an ultimate measure of one’s health and wellness. A clinical case illustrates the major themes and applications for clinical practice.