Correcting Common Misconceptions About Adlerian Theory and Practice

          Although Adler achieved world-wide recognition during his lifetime, after his death in 1937 an accurate influence of his ideas in the United States diminished, largely due to the limited number of his translated clinical works; misrepresentations of his theory, philosophy, and therapeutic style in academic texts; and authors who attempted to simplify and systematize his teachings. Many clinicians have read Adler's popular writings, but few have studied his clinical works. Some have attempted to lift pieces of Adler's theory and fit them into an eclectic framework, which defeats the purpose of his integrated vision. Adler's style of treatment was warm, gentle, and creative, not cool, aggressive, and systematic. The therapist's personality and attitude must be fully congruent with Adler's philosophy. Clinicians, instructors, and authors who deviate really promote their own approach.

Why Do We Use the Term "Classical Adlerian"?

          Dilutions and deviations by other authors have misled students into believing that there are a number of equally valid varieties of "Adlerian" approaches. The Classical Adlerian approach is rooted in Adler's original teachings and style of treatment. Our work is also influenced by other early Adlerians who remained faithful to Adler's teachings and therapeutic style: Lydia Sicher, Alexander Mueller, Sophia de Vries, and Anthony Bruck. To retain Adler's rich legacy, we have edited and published a 12-volume set of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler; offer mentor-oriented distance training in Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy; and have maintained a web site, discussion forum, and mailing list since 1996. Back in the mid-1950's, Alexander Mueller predicted that "Adler will have to be re-discovered, from the roots up, by a future generation." We have accepted this challenge.

Adler & Maslow: Partners in Self-Actualization

          Alfred Adler and Abraham Maslow were devoted to optimal human development. Similar to Adler, Maslow articulated the common attributes of self-actualizing individuals. He emphasized the pre-requisites of hard work, dedication to a worthy cause, and overcoming psychological limitations. Some of his ideas drifted into a business community hungry for greater productivity. Although Maslow's vision of self-actualization does not fit most approaches to psychotherapy, it complements Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy. Adler and Maslow inspire us with their rare, optimistic vision of what each of us can become.

Full Range of Therapeutic & Educational Interventions

    The Classical Adlerian approach provides a fully integrated range of treatment modes: Individual, Adult, Depth Psychotherapy; Couple Therapy; Child and Family Therapy; Brief Therapy; Substance Abuse Treatment; Career Assessment & Guidance; and Organizational Consulting. Parent and Teacher Education Workshops, taught by trained therapists, provide effective educational strategies for prevention.

Distance Training & Certification

    We offer professional training leading to certification, featuring a one-to-one, mentor relationship with weekly study and telephone discussions. In addition to a vigorous study of theory and practice, the program includes a personal study-analysis with a senior Classical Adlerian training analyst and individual case supervision. Fully certified Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapists are currently located in Bellingham, Washington; San Francisco, Berkeley, Redwood City, and Oroville, California; Valley Stream and New York City, New York; Clearfield, Utah; Elizabethtown, and Ottawa, Canada; Feldberg, Germany; and Taipei, Taiwan. In 2012, Certified Psychotherapists will be also available in Switzerland and Italy.