Reflections About Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy: Theory, Practice, and Life

A vigorously optimistic and inspiring approach to prevention and treatment, Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy balances the equally important needs for individual, optimal development and social contribution. With a solid foundation in the original teachings and therapeutic style of Alfred Adler, it integrates the self-actualization research of Abraham Maslow. For more information, visit our web site at http//www.Adlerian.us

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Location: Bellingham, Washington, United States

Classical Adlerian psychotherapist and training analyst. Director of the Alfred Adler Institute of Northwestern Washington, offering distance training in Classical Adlerian psychotherapy. Tel: (360) 647-5670. Email: htstein@att.net

Friday, July 29, 2011

Madman in Chief

The recent issue of Newsweek included a review of a bizarre new book of psychiatric case studies by Nassir Chaemi titled, "A First Rate Madness."  The provocative and spooky thesis is that great leadership is not characterized by a "splendidly healthy mind, but an exceptionally broken one."  The author proposes that mood disorders, like depression and mania bring clear-eyed perception and resilience to a leader.  In support of his opinions that madness is a close relative of genius, and that crazy leaders are often too sane for their time, the author provides an illustrative list of political and business leaders.  Conspicuously missing from this book are the paranoid, sociopathic, and psychopathic figures of Hitler and Stalin.  Stating that George W. Bush was "too normal" to deal with the September 11 attacks, raises serious questions about the author's judgement.    Perhaps the author, director of the Mood Disorder Program at Tufts University, needs to get out a little more often.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Videos: Demonstration and Discussion of Classical Adlerian Brief Therapy

In a 10-minute video, Henry T. Stein, Ph.D., demonstrates Classical Adlerian Brief Therapy with a colleague who role-plays one of her clients. The client begins by complaining about an indifferent husband who used to be nicer. Using a Socratic style of questioning, Dr. Stein diplomatically explores what the client has omitted in the relationship, eventually focusing on what she could do differently to engage her husband positively, even to surprise him, and to consider what else she might do to improve the situation.


In a follow-up 15-minute video, Dr. Stein explains his therapeutic strategies and responds to questions from a group. The therapist's optimism and faith in what the client could do, provides a persistent stream of encouragement, even if it only stimulates doubt in her current, limited beliefs. The benefits of group work and role-playing, as well as memories, dreams, and fantasies are also clarified.

These videos are available on our subscription site. A new, mid-year subscription rate of $45 is available at www.Adlerian.us/subscription.htm.