The Denial of Trauma

A revolutionary aspect of Adlerian psychology is the denial of trauma as a determinant of present behavior. The philosopher explains, 'We do not suffer from the shock of our experiences—the so-called trauma—but instead we make out of them whatever suits our purposes.' This idea challenges the Freudian notion of trauma and determinism, arguing instead that individuals have the power to change their lives by focusing on their goals rather than their past.