Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology ADLERIANS IN ACTION 2025 CONFERENCE
The Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology has been Approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6816. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
GSAP will be seeking Georgia
Psychological Association Approval of Continuing Education hours for select sessions. Please see the Psychologists Tab for a list of sessions for which GPA approval is being sought.
Per GPA:
Psychologists must attend in-person in order to receive continuing education
credit hours.
This conference is principally an in-person conference. Select sessions are being offered synchronously/virtually. Please see Virtual tab for sessions available virtually.
The conference provides skill & education at the INTRODUCTORY, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED levels and is intended for mental health professionals in a variety of settings, as well as students. You do not need to be at a particular level of experience to attend intermediate or advanced level sessions.
Understanding Adler: Theory and Practice Made
Clear
(INTRODUCTORY)
Kristen Aycock, PhD
This presentation provides historical context
for Adler and teaches an overview of Adlerian Theory. Participants will gain an
introductory understanding of basic Adlerian tenets as well as how they are
applied in therapeutic settings.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Name the basic tenets of Adlerian Theory. 2) Identify one or more ways to apply
Adlerian theory to practice.
MORNING SESSION 9:45AM-12PM (2 CE HOURS) Choose from the following sessions:
Adlerian
Clinical Supervision Models
(Intermediate) Clinical
Supervision
David Markwell, PhD, LPC, LCMHC, ACS, CPCS, BC-TMH
Several
Adlerian supervision models exist which support supervises' growth, aligns with
individual goals, and promotes self-awareness. Supervisors who apply Adlerian
principles implement specific skills, including active listening, encouraging
personal responsibility, and recognizing patterns in behavior. This
presentation will look at the history, development, and principles of Adlerian
Supervision Models.
This
workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Explain different models of supervision with an emphasis on Adlerian
supervision models. 2)
Describe the history of Adlerian supervision. 3)
Implement skills related to Adlerian supervision models.
The Ethics of Self-care: Why Is
It Important?
(Intermediate)
Ethics
Wendy
Price, MA
Are
your needs as important as your client’s needs? Of course, they
are but we are all guilty of putting client’s needs before our own.
We
are important too!
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Summarize
the importance of self-care for the clinician and how it
benefits the client. 2)
Discuss and analyze ACA ethical guidelines
pertaining to self-care.
The Magic of Metaphors and Early
Recollections Working Together with Traumatized Clients
(Introductory)
Michele Frey, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPCS, DNASAP &
Carla
Jefferson
This presentation will be an interactive lecture on the
concepts of metaphors and early recollections. Participants will be educated on
the use of metaphors and early recollections in mental health therapy. The
presenters will lead a discussion on the merging of the two concepts using a
real-life case study.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Verbalize an understanding of using metaphors in
mental health therapy. 2) Verbalize an understanding of using early
recollections in mental health therapy. 3) Discuss the merging of metaphor and early recollection
strategies in mental health therapy.
AFTERNOON SESSION 1PM-5:30PM (4 CE HOURS) Choose from the following sessions:
Healing the Inner Child Through an Adlerian Lens
(Intermediate)
LaShanna S Stephens, MS, LPC, ACS
This interactive workshop explores how early childhood
experiences shape adult relationships and self-perception. Using Adlerian
techniques, participants will identify mistaken beliefs, engage in inner child
work, and learn therapeutic interventions to foster healing, self-compassion,
and personal growth.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Identify the concept of the inner child and
its relevance to Adlerian theory. 2)
Examine how early childhood experiences shape
adult behavior and relational patterns. 3)
Apply Adlerian interventions such as
lifestyle assessment and early recollections to uncover and address inner child
wounds. 4)
Utilize encouragement and social interest as
tools to foster healing and self-compassion in clients. 5)
Implement experiential exercises to help
clients reconnect with and heal their inner child.
First Glances and Hidden Dances: Exploring Daydreams,
Fantasies, and First Impressions in Relationship Dynamics
(Introductory)
Lindsay K. Hill, MEd, LPC-SC
This interactive workshop examines how initial
attractions and relational fantasies shape long-term dynamics and life goals.
Using Adlerian principles, participants will explore how early impressions
reflect core values and strategies for happiness. Through demonstrations and
exercises, attendees will gain skills to help clients navigate relational
challenges with deeper insight.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Analyze the psychological and relational significance
of first impressions and attractions, using Adlerian and contemporary theories.
2) Identify how initial relational fantasies influence
long-term dynamics and individual life styles through case studies and
practical examples. 3) Demonstrate strategies for helping clients integrate
daydreams and fantasies into therapeutic work to promote insight and growth. 4) Develop skills to assess how traits and fantasies
observed in relationships mirror core values and life strategies. 5) Engage in experiential exercises designed to enhance
relational understanding and foster holistic therapeutic interventions.
Permission to Play: Utilizing
Dungeons & Dragons in Adlerian Play Therapy
Join the presenters for an exciting workshop where we
explore the world of Dungeons & Dragons through the lens of Adlerian Play
Therapy. Discover how this popular tabletop role-playing game can be used as a
therapeutic tool to help clients develop social skills, build confidence, and
work through emotional challenges. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or a
D&D enthusiast, this event is sure to offer valuable insights and practical
strategies for incorporating this unique approach into your practice.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Discuss the history of D&D and why
it’s important for Adlerian parent consultation. 2) Identify 3-4 Adlerian concepts therapists
can use with D&D in individual and group play therapy sessions. 3) Utilize D&D to meet clients' play
therapy treatment plan goals. 4) Discuss the importance of identity and
culture in the game of D&D in play therapy.
FRIDAY EVENING PLENARY 5:45PM-6:45PM (1 CE Hours)
Neuroscientific Perspectives of Adlerian
Theory
(Introductory)
Kristen Aycock, PhD
This presentation provides current, neuroscientific
research supporting main tenets of Adlerian theory. Participants will be
introduced to these studies and learn how they support the theoretical
understanding of Individual Psychology and how change occurs in Adlerian
therapy.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Identify three main tenets of Adlerian theory. 2) Name one or more links between the neuroscientific
research and Adlerian theory.
SATURDAY AUGUST 16th (Lunch 12PM-1PM)
SATURDAY MORNING PLENARY 8:30AM-10AM (1.5 CE Hours)
Using Adler's Life Tasks in Practice
(Intermediate)
Susan Belangee LPC, NCC, ACS, DNASAP
Adler's life tasks concept is crucial to establishing the
holistic nature inherent in Adlerian psychology. This session provides a unique
model for understanding and using the life tasks in practice settings.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Describe the 5 life tasks used in Adlerian psychology.
2) Explain holism as a core concept in Adlerian
psychology. 3) Demonstrate the Hand model and how it is used in
practice.
SATURDAY MORNING SESSIONS 10:15AM-11:45 AM (1.5 CE Hours) Choose from the following sessions:
Chronic Illness and Adlerian Concept
of Whole Person and their Strengths
(Introductory)
Stacy Sampson, MS, LPC, CPCS
Chronic illness impacts every area of
a person’s life. An Adlerian focus on a person’s strengths and investigation of
the whole person allows a counselor to meet the client where they are and help
the client reframe their struggles, leading the counselor to provide support
and increase coping skills.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Discuss how Adler's concepts of
holism and strengths can be applied to assist clients living with chronic
illness. 2) Apply an Adlerian framework to help
clients living with chronic illness to cope using creativity and self
determination.
Facebook, FOMO, & Adler: Social Media and the Need to
Belong Among Adolescents
(Introductory)
David Markwell, PhD, LPC, LCMHC, ACS, CPCS, BC-TMH
This presentation delves into the
intersection of social media, FOMO, and Adler's theory of social interest to
understand adolescents' need to belong. By exploring Facebook’s influence, it
highlights how FOMO amplifies engagement and affects self-esteem and mental
health. Applying Adler’s framework, the study emphasizes the critical role of
meaningful social connections. Insights aim to inform strategies for healthier
digital interactions that support adolescent development and foster genuine
belonging.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Explore the impact of social media on adolescents’
need to belong: Examine how platforms like Facebook influence adolescents'
feelings of inclusion, validation, and peer acceptance. 2)
Identify the role of Fear of Missing Out
(FOMO): Analyze how FOMO drives social media usage and its effects on
adolescents’ mental health and sense of belonging. 3)
Apply
Adler’s Theory of Social Interest: Evaluate how Adler's principles of social
connection relate to adolescents’ online behaviors and the fulfillment of their
need to belong.
Ethics: Equality in the Counseling Relationship
(Intermediate) Ethics
Calvin D. Armerding,
MA, LPC-S, DNASAP
This workshop explores ethical issues related to power
differentials in counseling through the lens of Adlerian psychology,
emphasizing mutual respect and equality. Participants will address counselor
biases, and apply strategies to foster an egalitarian therapeutic alliance
while maintaining professional integrity and client empowerment.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Analyze ethical principles related to power
differentials in the counselor-client relationship. 2)
Evaluate the impact of implicit biases,
cultural factors, and systemic influences on perceived power imbalances in
counseling. 3)
Apply ethical decision-making models to case
scenarios where counselor authority may conflict with client autonomy.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Choose from the following:
Two 1.5 CE Hour sessions or either of the 3 CE Hours sessions
1PM-4:15PM
1PM-2:30PM (1.5 CE Hours)
Technology Integration for Adlerian-Focused
Sessions with Young Adults
(Introductory)
Timothy Pierce-Tomlin, MS, LPC
Ever increasingly, young adults build their
personal identities in online spaces. During this session, work to further
develop your knowledge and abilities to meet adolescent and young adult clients
at the intersectionality of their real and digital selves.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Identify current technologies and integration
opportunities during sessions with adolescents and young adults. 2)
Describe ways in which to delve into the desired
persona of the online personality created versus the client’s “real” self.
2:45-4:15PM (1.5 CE Hours)
The Use of Self-Disclosure and Stories in Psychotherapy
(Intermediate)
Calvin D. Armerding, MA, LPC-S, DNASAP
This workshop explores the ethical and clinical use of
self-disclosure and storytelling in psychotherapy through the lens of Adlerian
psychology, which emphasizes connection, encouragement, and shared humanity.
Participants will learn when and how to use personal stories to build rapport,
foster insight, and enhance therapeutic outcomes while maintaining professional
boundaries.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Analyze ethical guidelines and professional
considerations related to therapist self-disclosure, distinguishing between
appropriate and inappropriate use. 2)
Evaluate the impact of self-disclosure and
storytelling on therapeutic alliance, client engagement, and treatment outcomes
across diverse populations and presenting concerns. 3)
Apply evidence-based strategies for
integrating self-disclosure and storytelling into psychotherapy while
maintaining professional boundaries.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSIONS 1:00PM-4:15PM (3 CE Hours)
Thriving Through Turmoil: Adler and the Intersection of
Resilience and Mental Health
(Introductory)
Tara Overzat, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS
During times of crisis, building resiliency can be key to
survival and recovery. In this interactive session, we will explore Adlerian
strategies for fostering perseverance in the face of adversity. Ways to connect
these strategies to your clients’ lived experiences will be examined and
practiced.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Describe the unique challenges clients now
face, along with emerging challenges from social changes, from an Adlerian
lens. 2)
Apply Adlerian therapeutic techniques to case
studies regarding new challenges. 3)
Synthesize their current therapeutic modality
with newer techniques and interventions through an Adlerian lens.4)
Evaluate the efficacy of certain therapeutic
methods in building resiliency.
Lifestyle Assessment: Putting the Pieces
Together
(Intermediate)
Jody Housker, PhD, NCC, ACS, NBCCH, LPC & Ryan
Sokolowski, MA
Adler’s Lifestyle Assessment provides a
structure for gathering client data: family constellation, psychological
birth-order, early recollections and more. In this session you will use your
expertise to help identify patterns and analyze data collected from a volunteer
“client” to understand basic convictions, interfering ideas, and private logic.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Summarize basic Adlerian concepts which are included
in the Lifestyle Assessment. 2) Discuss typologies in Adlerian theory
employed by the Lifestyle Assessment. 3) Analyze the meaning of themes/patterns
from an Adlerian strengths perspective. 4) Summarize findings from the Life-Style
Assessment. 5) Explain how Life Style Assessment
addresses issues of diversity.
SATURDAY EVENING PLENARY 4:30PM-6:45PM (2 CE Hours)
The “Future of Psychotherapy - The Delphi Project
(INTRODUCTORY)
David Markwell, PhD, LPC, LCMHC, ACS, CPCS
In
1980 a group of mental health experts formed predictions on what the
next decade would look like for psychotherapy. Experts have continued
to gather with the most recent meeting in 2021. What will psychotherapy
look like in 2030? What changes and challenges are coming?
This workshop is designed to help you: 1. Describe the history behind the Delphi method and the Delphi Psychotherapy panel. 2. Discuss some of the past and present findings from the Delphi panels regarding psychotherapy. 3.
Analyze ideas and concerns about the future of psychotherapy along with
sharing of goals and outcomes with thoughts on the Adlerian approach.
SUNDAY AUGUST 17th (Lunch 12PM-1PM)
SUNDAY MORNING SESSIONS 8:30AM-11:45AM (3 CE Hours)
Metaphors and Trauma: A Case Study
Integrating Internal Family Systems and Adlerian Theory
(Introductory)
Michele Frey, PhD, LPC, ACS, CPCS, DNASAP & Carla
Jefferson
This workshop will focus on the use of metaphors and the integration
of Internal Family Systems with Adlerian Theory. It will cover the steps
outlined by Richard Kopp (Kopp, 2015/1995) for processing metaphors as well as
the process for Internal Family Systems. Participants will be involved in an
interactive lecture.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Verbalize an understanding of metaphors used
in processing trauma in clients. 2)
Explain the integration of Adlerian Theory
and Internal Family Systems when working with metaphors and trauma. 3)
Connect the integration of Adlerian Theory
and Internal Family Systems using a real-life case study.
The Purpose of Conflict: Bridging the Divide Brought on
by Relational Tension
(Introductory)
Gary
Bauman, PhD, LPC, CPCS
Conflict is purposeful. Relationship tension
results from individuals utilizing tactics to safeguard themselves from
re-experiencing feelings of inferiority. This workshop will review Adlerian
concepts of social interest, purposefulness of behaviors (and emotions), social
equality and egalitarian relating, and perceptions of inferiority to assist
clinicians in uncovering the true motivation behind conflicts that occur
between people
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Describe and assess the purposefulness of
conflict reflected by observing the client's behaviors and emotions. 2)
Summarize and explain how fighting and
conflict often is the result of client's attempt to engage in safeguarding
practices by distracting themselves from revealing inferiority feelings. 3)
Utilize the Adlerian concepts of Social
Interest and egalitarian relating to help clients redirect their anger towards
more collaborative outcomes to resolve tension in relationships.
Adlerian Task of Love & intimacy and Social
Interest - Relationship Skills for All Situations
Relationships frequently challenge our
clients. This session offers tools to further the clinicians' ability to
improve the client’s core relationship skills. Utilizing the Adlerian Tasks of
Love/Intimacy & Social Interest, and utilizing Narrative Therapy and other
relationship concepts, participants learn to identify communication patterns,
challenge relationship narratives, and link past experiences with present
dynamics.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Discuss Adler's concepts of Life
Task of Love/Intimacy and Social Interest. 2) Identify and assess communication
patterns or relationship styles contributing to conflict. 3) Demonstrate the ability to assist
clients in re-writing their relationship stories, utilizing narrative therapy
strategies. 4) Apply an Adlerian framework to help
clients identify connections between present & past
experiences/interactions.
Jody Housker, PhD, NCC, ACS, NBCCH,
LPC filling in for Dawn M. Echols, MS, LPC
This workshop will focus on personalized awareness in
recognizing potential indicators of the development or onset of compassion
fatigue in care professionals, along with risks of burnout. The primary
objective of this workshop is to support the needs of participants in
developing an effective, practical, and specific self-care plan for existing or
potential burnout by addressing compassion fatigue in the present or future.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1) Discuss multiple life domains according to various
theories, with a focus on Adlerian life tasks. 2) Discuss the concept of self-care as well as strategies
suggested from literature and participant experience. 3) Review signs of compassion fatigue as defined in the
mental health industry.
END OF CONFERENCE SUNDAY PLENARY 1PM-3:15PM (2 CE Hours)
Codes of Ethics: Understanding Differences,
Diversity, Multiculturalism and Discrimination
(Intermediate) Ethics
Jody Housker, PhD, NCC, ACS, NBCCH,
LPC Tara Overzat, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS & Ryan Sokolowski, MA
In this session we will examine the
specific codes of ethics that pertain to Differences, Diversity,
Multiculturalism and Discrimination. Participants will assess their own
perceptions of these various concepts and how their perceptions may impact
their work with clients.
This workshop is designed to help you: 1)
Analyze the ACA, NBCC, APA and State codes of ethics regarding Difference,
Diversity, Multiculturalism & Discrimination. 2)
Discuss and explain how the various codes of ethics address differences in
clients. 3)
Utilize knowledge of cultural humility to more fully assess and understand the
client.
