Inside the Program

THE TRAINING PROGRAM

Course of Study and Curriculum

Our objective is to better the world we live and work in.

We pursue this through the development of clinicians whose personal congruence, cooperative spirit, and theoretical depth allow them to awaken in their clients a genuine sense of contribution to the world around them.

The relationship we develop with our students – both in regard to interactions and shared sentiments – is one we anticipate the student will be able to replicate in their clinical practice.

How the Program Unfolds

COURSE OF STUDY

The order of the classes and the structure of each discrete year reflect Adler’s philosophy of being ‘one for and with others.’

YEAR 1

The first year is devoted to a wholesale focus on Adler’s holistic, teleological, phenomenological, and socially interested theory and practice. In that our students are practicing clinicians, they study Adler’s theory – from introduction through intermediate understanding – by interweaving the reading, lectures, and personal mentoring into their current practice. Instruction on incorporating a depth Adlerian approach to individual adult treatment is the modality used for advancing nuances of Adler’s outlook into the clinician’s repertoire. At the end of the year, the student begins a personal training anlysis - an essential process of self-exploration that allows the clinician to distinguish their own life style and personality structure. Understanding oneself is inseparable from learning to understand others. Interest in and development of individual potential is the primary focus. Each year an onsite 3-day workshop aims to consolidate the year’s training. This is accomplished by each student contributing some aspect of their training that they intend to use and/or develop.

Theoretical Foundations

YEAR 2

Broadening Clinical Application

The second year provides direct focus on incorporating Adlerian approaches into different modalities – including individual, child, family, couples, and group work. Qualitatively, this allows the student to apply practical knowledge of the theory into their regular practice. Continued study-analysis enhances the depth experience of broadening one’s application of the Adlerian approach.

YEAR 3

By year three, we are refining application and conceptualization by requiring more case analyses, even while we are narrowing the focus on the student’s personal development. That is, our focus narrows to encourage the particular Adlerian depth psychotherapist before us - one that represents a unification of theory, technique, and personal strengths to be harnessed. Candidates continue with their study analysis to discern characteristic stumbling blocks in need of resolution.

Refinement and Integration

A fourth year is often needed to complete the required supervision hours and the capstone project. The Capstone Project, the final step in our ADP certification process, involves the development of an Adlerian-focused article to be submitted for publication. Oversight will be provided throughout the course of the project, and the possibility exists of collaboration with other ADP students. The article will be an original contribution exemplifying the student’s practical interest in applying Adler's theory to practice.

Finally, the article is to serve as the basis for a presentation at the next On-Site Experiential Workshop convened after certification. Live or video production to be published at AAISR website.

Completion

YEAR 4

PATH TO CERTIFICATION

Program Curriculum

    • Foundational Theory

      • This course offers a five-week introduction to our training program. You will read several of Adler's foundational writings on theory, philosophy, and practice, watch videos featuring Sophia de Vries and Henry Stein, and view a rare newsreel of Alfred Adler. Each week, you will also engage in a Zoom or telephone discussion with a training analyst about the material you have studied. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the material or its application.

    • Intermediate Theory: Part I

      • Using The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler, by Heinz and Rowena Ansbacher, as a basic text, the reading is supplemented by full articles by Adler along with vivid graphics on selected topics. All of his theoretical, philosophical, and therapeutic constructs are examined in depth.

    • Intermediate Theory: Part II

      • Using The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler, by Heinz and Rowena Ansbacher, as a basic text, the reading is supplemented by full articles by Adler along with vivid graphics on selected topics. All of his theoretical, philosophical, and therapeutic constructs are examined in depth. (Continuation of Intermediate Theory - Part I.)

      Advanced Theory

      • The works of three original Adlerians, Sophia de Vries, Alexander Mueller, and Lydia Sicher are studied and compared to Adler's writings.

    • Mastering Core Constructs

      • Accelerated learning techniques are combined with graphics to stimulate vivid personal images of the main Adlerian constructs..

    • Comprehensive Study of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volumes 1 & 12

      • A comprehensive study of The Neurotic Character and The General System of Individual Psychology

    • Case Analysis and Treatment Planning

      • The objectives of this course are 1) to connect theoretical understanding with practical diagnostic skill and 2) to develop a series of efficient strategies, including computer programs and dynamics genograms, for comprehensive case analysis and creative treatment planning.

    • Individual Adult Psychotherapy: Part I

      • Objectives of this course include developing a comprehensive blueprint for the tasks and stages of psychotherapy as well as learning and practicing techniques for cognitive, affective, and behavioral change, including the Socratic method, guided and eidetic imagery, and role-playing.

    • Individual Adult Psychotherapy: Part II

      • In this course, the objective is to gain a full understanding of the process of psychotherapy by following one simulated case from beginning to end. In a five-day master seminar, the major phases of treatment are demonstrated in role plays, followed by group questions and discussion.

    • Couple Therapy

      • This course in Couple Therapy explores the interlocking dynamics of two styles of life. Herein you will learn the strategies and techniques of couple therapy which are based on the principles of individual psychotherapy, trace the cultural norms of sexual equality and dominance and establish criteria for optimal couple functioning.

    • Child & Family Therapy

      • In this course, we endeavor to understand the reciprocal life style dynamics of an entire family. Other goals include learning the strategies and techniques for working with children, parents, and families and developing preventative educational programs for parents and teachers.

    • Brief, Group, and Marathon Therapy

    • Substance Abuse Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment

      • A Unique Combination of Substance Abuse and Adlerian Training, this course provides an opportunity to learn innovative Adlerian techniques and strategies for working with alcoholic/chemically dependent clients. The creative Adlerian approach enhances traditional substance abuse treatment models and AA/NA recovery programs

    • Advanced Socratic Method - Part I

      • Learn the principles and techniques of the Socratic method and its use in psychotherapy and supervision.

    • Advanced Socratic Method - Part II

      • Learn more advanced principles and techniques of the Socratic method and its use in psychotherapy.

    • Basic Case Study

      • Here you will gain a wide variety of life style analyses by studying selected audio-taped group case study seminars. Each seminar normally includes a full life style analysis, treatment recommendations, and role-playing of therapeutic techniques.

    • Intermediate Case Study

      • In this course, our students gain a wide variety of life style analyses by studying selected audio-taped group case study seminars. Each seminar normally includes a full life style analysis, treatment recommendations, and role-playing of therapeutic techniques. Cases are more complex and difficult than those presented in Basic Case Study. Some cases involving couples are included.

    • Advanced Case Study

      • A continuation of Basic and Intermediate Case Study.  Cases increase in complexity and difficulty. Some cases involving families are included.

    • Case Consultation

      • Students bring their own cases and have a chance to understand them from an Adlerian Depth perspective.  Each consultation focuses on one case in depth, utilizing a time-saving, structured presentation format. Discussions cover a full life style analysis, recommendations for a treatment plan, and therapeutic progress. Suggestions are offered to solve therapeutic problems.

    • Supplementary Case Analysis

      • To refine case analysis skills, client questionnaires provided by the instructor are examined and analyzed.  Each consultation focuses on one case in depth, utilizing a time-saving, structured presentation format. Discussions cover a full life style analysis and a treatment plan.

    • BiWeekly Group Case Study

      • Students are invited to expand case analysis insights by presenting and discussing cases with a group of experienced ADP therapists and fellow students. Each consultation usually focuses on one case in depth, utilizing a semi-structured presentation format. Discussions invite vigorous diagnostic guessing, leading to a comprehensive life style analysis and a treatment plan.

  • The Personal Study Analysis allows an experience of Adlerian depth psychotherapy first-hand.  We use this process to provide our students with an opportunity to maximize personal and professional growth while integrating personal insights with Adler's theoretical constructs and Maslow's model of optimal functioning.

    Goals of the Study Analysis:

    • Experience a Full Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy

    • Gain a Comprehensive Insight into Your Style of Life

    • Overcome Personal and Professional Difficulties

    • Discuss the Process at Each Therapeutic Stage

    • Discover the Roots of your own Creative Process

  • On-Site Experiential Workshop (3 Days) in which students gain direct experience of the therapeutic process within a group workshop.
    A minimum of three annual workshops are required for certification. Ongoing annual attendance is recommended

  • The Capstone Project, the final step in our ADP certification process, involves the development of an Adlerian focused article to be submitted for publication. Oversight will be provided throughout the course of the project and the possibility exists of collaboration with other ADP students. The article will be an original contribution exemplifying the practical interest of the student in applying Adler's theory to practice.

    Finally, the article is to serve as the basis for a presentation at the next On-Site Experiential Workshop convened after certification. Live or video production to be published at AAISR website

READY TO BEGIN

Take the Next Step

The path to certification in Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy begins with a conversation. We invite prospective students to reach out with questions and their professional backgrounds. Together we can explore how this program works for you.

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