Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy: The Congruence of a Theory
Classcal Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy: The Congruence of a Theory
CADP Special Edition JIPThe Journal of Individual Psychology, Vol. 70, No. 4, Winter 2014
This overview of the special issue on CADP sets the context in which the issue was conceived, why the given articles were developed, and how they were interwoven to illustrate our history, development and application.
Most of us who practice Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy (CADP) did not get here through the printed word. Rather, as you will see in an article in this issue, we came through personal contact with Henry Stein, either before or after an initial encounter on the Classical Adlerian Psychology website (www.adlerian.us). The quality and substance of these discussions left each of us with an unforgettable impression—that we were able to master Adler, his theory and his therapy, in our professional as well as our personal lives. Professional and personal congruence with Adler's theory—what a challenge!
This challenge, we came to learn, was a process of intense study over several years, one that would entail not only combing through the breadth of Adler's writings but also close personal analysis and professional mentoring by Stein in order to understand our own psychological movement. The process benefits our therapeutic work, our own optimal functioning, and our personal relationships. Tough enough, but worth every effort.
But now, putting together a journal that does justice to this in-depth and intimate approach has been another challenge, and an enjoyable one. Roy Kern's offer opened the door to this special issue, and he helped it find its way into print. We register here our appreciation for the stimulating opportunity to convey the effectiveness of CADP's therapeutic focus. Have we been successful? You, the reader, will have to decide.