Adlerian Psychotherapy

Part of the bestselling Theories of Psychotherapy^® Series from APA

Adlerian Psychotherapy provides an introduction and overview of the theory, history, research, and practice of this person-centered approach to psychotherapy.

From cognitive-behavioral, to existential, phenomenological, schema, and humanistic therapies, the ideas of Alfred Adler are at the heart of many contemporary approaches to psychotherapy.  In some ways, however, Adler’s ubiquity has made him invisible.  In Adler’s view, all behavior has social meaning, and the socio-cultural context of a person’s life is a driving influence on his or her mental health and life experiences. With his emphasis on social interest--a sense of belonging to and participating in the common good--Adler envisioned a psychology of growth, where people could strive to overcome difficulties and change their lives under their own power.  Counseling and psychotherapy must therefore encourage the client to master the core tasks of life: work, friendship, and love-intimacy.

While “classic” Adlerian psychotherapy is rarely practiced nowadays, the authors present a modern interpretation that is consistent with today's short-term therapeutic approaches, and can be used with individuals, couples, or families.  

Series Preface

How to Use This Book With APA Psychotherapy Videos

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Theory
4. The Therapy Process
5. Evaluation
6. Suggestions for Future Developments
7. Summary

Appendix: Lifestyle Questionnaire Inventory

Glossary of Key Terms

Suggested Readings and Resources

References

Index

About the Authors

Jon Carlson, PsyD, EdD, ABPP, is the Distinguished Professor of Adlerian Psychology at Adler University, Chicago, and a psychologist with the Wellness Clinic in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Dr. Carlson is also Professor Emeritus at Governors State University in the Division of Psychology and Counseling, University Park, Illinois. He is a fellow of APA, the American Counseling Association, and the Wisconsin Psychology Association.

Dr. Carlson has written 62 books and more than 180 articles and book chapters, and created more than 300 professional training videos that are being used in universities and training centers around the world. Five of the videos and seven of the books are on Adlerian psychotherapy. He has served as the editor of several periodicals, including The Journal of Individual Psychology and The Family Journal.

He holds diplomates in both family psychology and Adlerian psychology, received a Certificate of Psychotherapy from the Alfred Adler Institute (now Adler University), and received the Lifetime Contribution Award from the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology. He received the Distinguished Psychologist Award (lifetime contribution to psychotherapy, APA Division 29 [Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy]) and the 2011 Distinguished Career Contributions to Education and Training Award from APA.

Matt Englar-Carlson, PhD, is a professor of counseling and the director of the Center for Boys and Men at California State University–Fullerton. He is a fellow of APA (Division 51 [Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity]).

He was raised Adlerian and is interested in promoting culturally responsive Adlerian practice. As a scholar, teacher, and clinician, Dr. Englar-Carlson is focused on training clinicians to work more effectively with their male clients across the full range of human diversity.

He has more than 40 publications and 65 national and international presentations, most of which are focused on men and masculinity, social justice, diversity issues in psychological training and practice, and on theories of psychotherapy.

Dr. Englar-Carlson coedited the books In the Room With Men: A Casebook of Therapeutic Change, Counseling Troubled Boys: A Guidebook for Professionals, Beyond the 50-Minute Hour: Therapists Involved in Meaningful Social Action, and A Counselor's Guide to Working With Men, and was featured in the APA-produced DVD Engaging Men in Psychotherapy.

He was named the Researcher of the Year and Professional of the Year by the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity. As a clinician, he has worked with children, adults, and families in school, community, and university mental health settings.

• 2017 Choice Outstanding Academic Title

Straightforward, succinct, and provides the fundamental blueprint in which it defines Adlerian therapy, its philosophies, and techniques.
—The Journal of Individual Psychology

What is most significant about this material is that Adlerian psychotherapy stands at the forefront of innovative and effective psychotherapy practice with many of the components incorporated by major theories of today. As such, it is essential reading for practitioners and students of all persuasions.
—Choice

A brief, clear, and accessible introduction to classical and contemporary Adlerian theory and psychotherapy that will be of great value to readers who wish to familiarize themselves with this important but relatively obscure and neglected theoretical and clinical orientation.
—PsycCRITIQUES

Adlerian Psychotherapy illustrates how Adlerian theory considers the cognitive, systemic, and nonconscious motivations in understanding people. I know my students will appreciate the rich, diverse case conceptualizations and the matching treatment plans, while I am confident seasoned clinicians who previously used components of multiple theories will see how Adlerian theory can help them integrate seamlessly to produce better treatment outcomes.
—Leigh Johnson-Migalski, PsyD
Diplomate of Adlerian Psychology, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Adler University, Chicago, IL

Adlerian Psychotherapy is the most recent book about this increasingly popular treatment approach. This succinct and well-written account of its theory and practice will be greatly appreciated by both therapists-in-training and experienced clinicians. Illustrations using superb clinical case material and commentaries on future trends make this a must-have book.
—Len Sperry, MD, PhD
Professor and Director of Clinical Training, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; author of the Handbook of Diagnosis and Treatment of DSM–5 Personality Disorders: Assessment, Case Conceptualization, and Treatment, Third Edition

Alfred Adler, the founder of individual psychology, has been an unsung innovator whose work has become the foundation of many schools of psychotherapy. Two leading Adlerians, Jon Carlson and Matt Englar-Carlson, offer a clear and easy-to-read exposition of theory and practice that can empower the clinical work of therapists from all disciplines and levels of experience. Carlson and Englar-Carlson show how Adlerian principles and practice have evolved into an integrative approach that can advance contemporary psychotherapy.
—Jeffrey K. Zeig, PhD
The Milton Erickson Foundation, Phoenix, AZ

• Adlerian Therapy
  

  Using a positive and hopeful approach, Dr. Carlson demonstrates the four stages of Adlerian Therapy: creating a relationship, assessment, insight, and reorientation.