GEORGIA SOCIETY OF ADLERIAN PSYCHOLOGY SESSION DESCRIPTIONS



Adlerians In Action 2022





The conference provides skill & education at the INTRODUCTORY and INTERMEDIATE levels and is intended for mental health professionals in a variety of settings, as well as students.

FYI: You do not need to be a supervisor to attend sessions
regarding clinical supervision.



FRIDAY
AUGUST 26th



(Lunch 12PM-1PM)



HALF DAY SESSIONS
8:30AM-11:45AM
(3 CE HOURS)





*EARLY RECOLLECTIONS IN CLINICAL SUPERVISION: HELPING SUPERVISEES UNDERSTAND THEIR ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

(INTERMEDIATE)

Michele R. Frey, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPCS, DNASAP



The purpose of this workshop is to educate clinical supervisors on the application and interpretation of early recollections (ERs) to assist supervisees in understanding how their private logic guides their ethical decision-making processes.

Participants will:
1. Verbalize the historical and contemporary use of ERs in different theories.
2. Discuss the benefits of using ERs and a strength-based focus to assist supervisees in understanding self and the private logic that guides their ethical decision-making processes.
3. Demonstrate the application & interpretation of a supervisee’s ERs from a strength-based perspective
4. Participants will demonstrate knowledge in the application of ethics codes to supervisees's early recollections.





THE USE OF METAPHORS IN THERAPY

(INTRODUCTORY)

Gary Bauman, PhD, LPC, CPCS



The use of metaphors in a clinical setting is a very powerful way to connect with clients. Metaphors can be used as a way of helping clients articulate the struggles faced, the unique perceptions held, and to brainstorm potential solutions for navigating one’s way through the struggle. They can also provide the opportunity for counselors to speak the language of the client by making references to the metaphor.

Participants will:
1. Learn how to conceptualize & communicate with clients about the counseling process through the use of metaphors.
2. Learn how to incorporate Adlerian techniques that draw from client's narratives to reveal richly-imagined metaphors that can highlight private logic, emotional stuckness, and lifestyle movements.
3. Learn how to encourage clients to construct and elaborate on their own metaphors allowing them to access deeper emotions by referring to the metaphor rather than by describing the situation at hand.





HALF DAY SESSIONS
1PM-4:15PM
(3 CE HOURS)





*Serving Those Who Serve: Treating First Responders, Including Counselors

(INTRODUCTORY)

Brandy K. Nicholson, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, RPT



This session will address the current research in working with first responders. The experiences of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and self-care will be addressed.

Participants will:
1. Identify first responders based on research.
2. Describe at least four differences in the therapeutic process of serving first responders versus serving other clients.
3. Differentiate among vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and self-care needs.
4. Identify bodily sensations that arise from serving first responders.
5. Practice self-care methods helpful in managing vicarious trauma.
6. Critique techniques from an Adlerian perspective and with varying cultures.





Early Recollections: Past, Present, and Future

(INTRODUCTORY)

LaShanna S Stephens, MS, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS



This didactic and experiential workshop will begin with defining early recollections. Participants will then explore the concept of gathering and creating early recollections. Adlerian theory and recognizing early recollections as one of Adler's five approaches to understand the lifestyle will be discussed.

Participants will:
1. Summarize the definition of early recollections.
2. Recognize early recollections as one of Adler's five approaches to understand lifestyle.
3. Demonstrate various methods to gather early recollections.
4. Explain early recollections as they pertain to lifestyle.





8:30AM-4:15PM
FULL DAY SESSION
(6 CE HOURS)





The Telos Project

(INTRODUCTORY)

Calvin Armerding, MA, LPC



Everyone has an aspirational answer to the question: "What is the meaning of life?" Nonetheless, honest answers often escape us. This experiential/didactic workshop explores Adlerian teleology, offering structured lifestyle investigation exercises to demonstrate the discovery of the "Telos," our global, guiding ideal. Implications for clinical use will be explored.

Participants will:
1. Explain the Adlerian concepts of teleology and fictional finalisms.     
2. Apply Adlerian lifestyle investigation tactics (e.g., early recollections, dream/daydream work, family constellation, etc.).     
3. List the tactics that Adlerians use to assess lifestyle and discover the fictional finalism.     
4. Utilize lifestyle information to identify basic mistakes, strengths, and liabilities.     
5. Discuss their own lifestyles with others to better understand their own movements through life.
6. Summarize findings about own “Telos” at the end of the workshop.     
7. Apply their findings to their own work with clients.





FRIDAY EVENING PLENARY
5:30PM-7:45PM
(2 CE Hours)

*COVID TRAUMA, WELLBEING, AND ADLER: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PROFESSIONALS

(INTRODUCTORY)

Tara Overzat, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS





This interactive presentation will explore working with professionals dealing/presenting with Covid trauma and burnout through an Adlerian framework. Adlerian concepts will be integrated with practical applications of wellbeing activities. These activities will be discussed and demonstrated. Ways to assess burnout and progress will be explored.

Participants will:

1. Describe how the Adlerian theoretical framework, from past to present, supports wellbeing practices in times of trauma and high stress.

2. Apply the Adlerian theoretical framework (e.g., Five Life Tasks) to practical applications of health and wellbeing practices.

3. Demonstrate Adlerian therapeutic techniques and wellbeing practices to use with professional clients struggling with Covid trauma and burnout.



SATURDAY
AUGUST 27th

(Lunch 12PM-1PM)





MORNING PLENARY
8:30AM-10AM
(1.5 CE Hours)

* Adlerian Psychology: An Interactive Overview

(INTRODUCTORY)

Susan Belangee, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS

This presentation combines lecture and interactive methods to explain who Alfred Adler was and the main tenets of his psychological theory. Participants will learn family concepts, social aspects, and teleological components of the theory and how they are used in Adlerian counseling or applied in other settings.

Participants will:
1. Describe the family-related aspects of Adler's theory.
2. Explain how life style is formed.
3. Summarize how Adler's life informed his theory development.





MORNING SESSIONS
10:15AM-11:45 AM
(1.5 CE Hours)





An Adlerian Case Study of Ted Bundy: Anti-Social PersonalityDisorder or Psychopathy?

(INTRODUCTORY)

Halle Matula, MS, APC, NCC



Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy are utilized interchangeably. However, there is conflicting evidence to support this. Many with ASPD experience violence and incarceration while some have successful lives. This presentation will explore the Adlerian perspective and the case of Ted Bundy in order to identify potential differences between the two.

Participants will:
1. Analyze and differientiate potential differences between the diagnosis of ASPD as well as the phenomenon of psychopathy.
2. Utilze Adlerian Theory as a lens to identify and understand the differences between ASPD and psychopathy, giving attention specifically to the concepts of altruism, exclusion tendency, feelings of inferiority, social interest, & depreciation.
3. Analyze the case of Ted Bundy, using an Adlerian lens, and demoostrate the ability to identify any potential differences between a “successful psychopath” and the diagnosis of ASPD.





Levels of Care

(INTRODUCTORY)

Wendy Price, MA, LPC, CPCS



Various levels of care are available to mental health clients in the state of GA but which level is best suited for each client? Each level of care provides a different approach to care and will be summarized as to which level is best suited for what type of clients.

Participants will:
1. Identify the different levels of care available in GA.
2. Assess and evaluate which level of care is best suited for clients they serve.





* Paving the Road to Self Regulation: Strategies to Help Children Cope with Anxiety

(INTRODUCTORY)

Brandy K. Nicholson, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, RPT



Children experience and express anxiety and stress differently than adults. This session will discuss how to identify anxiety and stress in children. As well, participants will learn practices and techniques to assist children to lower their anxiety level and self-regulate emotions and behaviors. Finally, we will discuss how these concepts and approaches align with an Adlerian perspective and within different cultures.

Participants will:
1. Define anxiety, stress, and self-regulation and identify them in children..
2. Describe techniques to help children cope with anxiety and learn to self-regulate.





AFTERNOON SESSIONS
1PM-2:30PM
(1.5 CE Hours)





*"You Did What!?": Building Communication in Supervision through Adlerian Principles

(INTERMEDIATE)

Tara Overzat, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS



This participatory presentation will delve into using an Adlerian theoretical framework for increasing healthy communication between supervisors and supervisees. Case scenarios will be presented for contemplation, discussion, and brainstorming on Adlerian solutions for communication issues that arise in supervision.

Participants will:
1. Describe how the Adlerian theoretical framework can support building strong communication practices between supervisor and supervisee.
2. Apply the Adlerian theoretical framework (i.e., crucial C's, early recollections, work task) to communication-building interventions with supervisees.
3. Demonstrate Adlerian supervision techniques to increase communication with their supervisees.





Reconnecting in a Disconnected World: An Adlerian Lens of Social Connections Post Covid

(INTRODUCTORY)
Latisha Woods, MA, LPC, NCC,
Crystal Smith, MA, LPC, CPCS,
Allison Spargo, PhD, NCC, LPC, ACS, CPCS, BC-TMH



This workshop will explore the repercussions Covid has had on social connections and what that means for clients. It will address the importance of being socially connected through an Adlerian lens. Lastly, it will discuss how clinicians can assist clients in reconnecting socially when the world still feels disconnected.

Participants will:
1. Identify how social aspects have shifted for clients during Covid and what that means for clients individually.
2. Develop social plans for clients using an Adlerian lens.





LATER AFTERNOON SESSIONS
2:45PM-4:15PM
(1.5 CE Hours)





*Family Trees: Helping Supervisees Conceptualize Intergenerational Trauma and Interventions

(INTERMEDIATE)

Tara Overzat, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS



This presentation will examine the role of intergenerational trauma in clinical interventions through an Adlerian lens. How to best assist your supervisees in conceptualizing this trauma and working with their clients will be explored. Case scenarios will be discussed to apply the ideas and skills covered in the presentation.

Participants will:
1. Describe how the Adlerian theoretical framework can be used with the concepts of intergenerational trauma.
2. Explain how intergenerational trauma impacts the clinical treatment their supervisees are delivering.
3. Demonstrate Adlerian-related interventions to assist supervisees in working with intergenerational trauma.





Narrative Therapy Strategies to Heal Trauma

(INTRODUCTORY)

Stacy Sampson, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS



Rooted in Adlerian Theory, this presentation explores the use of Narrative Therapy strategies to aid trauma survivors with healing. This highly participatory demonstration-based training will explore techniques for finding survivors’ voices, exploring meaning making for their lives while focusing on clients’ strengths, choices, and goals for the future.

Participants will:
1. Discuss ways to aid clients with creating meaning for their lives and focus on growth from traumatic experiences.
2. Demonstrate narrative therapy strategies for aiding in healing from trauma by telling their stories, with a focus on client’s goals, strengths, superiority, and choices.





AFTERNOON 3 HOUR SESSION
1PM-4:15PM
(3 CE Hours)





Using Early Recollections to Understand a Client’s Decision Making Process

(INTRODUCTORY)

Michele R. Frey, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPCS, DNASAP



The purpose of this workshop is to educate professional counselors on the application and interpretation of early recollections (ERs) to assist clients in understanding their decision making processes. The facilitator will demonstrate the use of ERs in therapy. Participants will have the opportunity to practice working in triads or dyads to identify strengths in ERs to aid clients to understand their decision making processes.

Participants will:
1. Verbalize the historical and contemporary use of ERs in different counseling and psychological theories.
2. Discuss the benefits of ERs and a strength-based focus to assist clients in understanding their decision-making processes and private logic.
3. Demonstrate the application and interpretation of a client’s ERs from a strength-based perspective.





SATURDAY EVENING PLENARY
5:30PM-7:45PM
(2 CE Hours)

*Fifty Shades of Social Interest: How to Belong and Contribute in a World Filled with Discouragement and Difficulty

(INTRODUCTORY)

Gary Bauman, PhD, LPC, CPCS

People tend to go through life either leaning more towards an idealistic expectation and entitled belief that everything in life should be pleasing and fair to them OR they lean towards a more pessimistic and debilitating view that nothing received will ever be satisfying enough. The gray area, between the black and white thinking that plagues most dissatisfied individuals, provides the space for authentic relating, honest embracing of life's experiences, as well as opportunities to offer the diverse shades of social interest.

Participants will:
1. Identify the distinct advantage of an Adlerian theoretical approach to counseling
2. Describe how to encourage clients to see that many forms for which social interest can be experienced and offered even during the midst of the most troublesome times.
3. Apply Adlerian concepts that enable clients to move away from the polarized thinking patterns that cause them to feel disillusioned and defeated to community-shared perceptions that we are in this journey together.





SUNDAY
AUGUST 28th

(Lunch 12PM-1PM)





MORNING
1.5 HOUR SESSIONS





8:30AM-10AM
(1.5 CE Hours)

Body-based Therapeutic Practices and the Adlerian Lens: A Primer

(INTRODUCTORY)

Devin Mathews, MS, APC, NCC



This interactive presentation will explore concepts and practices from body-based therapeutic practices including yoga and somatics as well as how they align with Adlerian theory. Yoga and somatic practices will be examined from an Adlerian lens along with integrating body-based practices in therapy. Somatic and yoga techniques will be demonstrated and participation is encouraged.
Participants will:
1. Describe the Adlerian theoretical framework including concepts such as feelings of inferiority, social interest, and holism
2. Integrate the Adlerian framework with body-based therapeutic practices including somatics and yoga therapy to complement client progress and clinician wellness.





10:15AM-11:45AM
(1.5 CE Hours)

Body-based Therapeutic Practices and the Adlerian Lens: Clinical Implications and Counselor Wellness

(INTRODUCTORY)

Devin Mathews, MS, APC, NCC



This presentation will provide interactive case studies to allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of how to integrate body-based therapeutic practices into their current therapeutic style. Somatic and yoga practices will be demonstrated and participants will be offered an opportunity to engage in the practice.

Participants will:
1. Describe the Adlerian theoretical framework including concepts such as feelings of inferiority, social interest, and holism.
2. Demonstrate ability to identify when body-based therapeutic practices can be useful for clients while using a Adlerian framework as well as how to integrate body-based approaches for the clinician’s own wellness.





MORNING 3 HOUR SESSIONS
8:30AM-11:45AM
(3 CE Hours)





*Personality Priorities: A Useful Tool for Clinical Practice

(INTERMEDIATE)

Kristen Aycock, PhD, &
Brandy K. Nicholson, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, RPT



Assessing Adlerian lifestyle is a foundation of client growth, yet clinicians commonly overlook a huge piece of the lifestyle puzzle that clients enjoy assessing – personality priorities. This workshop with explain the four personality priorities and provide skills for using them with individuals, families, and a diverse clientele.

Participants will:
1. List and describe the four personality priorities
2. Assess one’s own personality priority and understand strengths and liabilities
3. Apply personality priorities for use in a demonstration.





Advanced Sex Therapy Techniques from an Adlerian Perspective

(INTERMEDIATE)

Stacy Sampson, MS, LPC, NCC, CPCS



Participating in the workshop will increase clinicians’ comfort level with helping clients tackle the Adlerian Life Task of Love/Intimacy. This workshop aims to increase clinicians' knowledge of advanced sex therapy techniques, including Sensate Focus, to aid clients struggling with their sexual health.

Participants will:
1. Discuss Adler's concept of Life Task of Love/Intimacy and how this impacts relationships.
2. Discuss knowledge around sexual intimacy to increase comfort level in addressing issues with clients in therapy.
3. Demonstrate therapeutic strategies to aid in helping clients process their love/intimacy struggles.





END OF CONFERENCE PLENARY
1PM-3:15PM
(2 CE Hours)

*Duty to Warn vs Duty to Protect: How to Decide?

(INTRODUCTORY)

Michele R. Frey, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPCS, DNASAP





The purpose of this workshop is to educate professional counselors and psychologists on the definitions of "duty to warn" and "duty to protect” statutes in Georgia. Historical and current perspectives in Georgia on breaching confidentiality when a client threatens to do harm to another will be provided. Participants will participate in triads to demonstrate their understanding and application of the statutes, codes of ethics, and ethical decision making models when faced with potentially dangerous clients.


Participants will:

1. Verbalize the difference between “a duty to warn” and a “duty to protect”.

2. Discuss applicable codes of ethics and laws related to a “duty to warn” and “a duty to protect”.

3. Demonstrate the use of an ethical decision-making model to discern if there is “a duty to warn” or “a duty to protect” when working with a client who threatens harm to others. .