WestTex Adler

The professional certificate program in Adlerian studies allows professionals from a variety of disciplines to learn how the principles and methods of Adlerian Psychology (also know as Individual Psychology) can be used in their areas of expertise, i. e., counseling, psychology, education, administration, business, criminal justice, and social work. This 200 clock hour program is offered by the West Texas Institute for Adlerian Studies.

In each course, the instructor will present the major concepts related to the course topic and students will be involved in focused activities that will allow them to apply the principles in their own settings and disciplines. The interdisciplinary makeup of the classes will provide an enriching learning experience representative of the current interprofessional work environment.

Adlerian Psychology was developed by Dr. Alfred Adler (1870 - 1937), an Austrian psychiatrist who called his approach to understanding human beings “Individual Psychology” because he wanted to emphasize the unity and indivisibility of the personality. Alfred Adler’s contributions to the field are based on the need to understand the social connectedness of individuals and to stress the importance of the development of the ability to cooperate as equal human beings and to make useful contributions for the human good. Individual Psychology has been taught and expanded upon by many great teachers and thinkers. Among them, Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs (1897 - 1972), a colleague and student of Alfred Adler, developed and spread practical applications of Adlerian theory. Dreikurs demonstrated how the key concepts of Adlerian Psychology could be used to improve relationships, resolve conflicts and encourage harmonious and courageous living.

A number of basic concepts of Adlerian (Individual) Psychology are extremely pertinent today:

Democratic Living - Implies that personal freedom must exist within a social order, developed through mutual respect.

Encouragement - Implies faith in people as they are, focusing on assets and strengths in order to build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Goal Striving - The idea that behavior is purposive - heading for a subjectively conceived goal of success.

Guiding Fictions - Refers to the “as if” ideas each individual holds about who he/she is, how others are, and how the world/life should be.

Holism - Characterizes the uniqueness and self consistency of the whole, indivisible person.

Lifestyle - The plan or pattern for living that each person creatively develops based on his/her subjective view of self, others and the world.

Mutual Respect - Means the respect we must hold for the dignity of others and for one’s self.

Phenomenology - The belief that humans actively and creatively interpret their life experiences in a personal and unique way.

Self-Determination - Individuals give meaning to life rather than being merely the product of the environment or of biological inheritance.

Social Interest - The desire to contribute usefully to society through dealing cooperatively in the tasks of work, friendship and intimacy.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Certificate Program must have a minimum of a two-year associates degree.

Certificate and Course Requirements

Students will complete a minimum of 200 class hours from the following categories of workshops and class offerings:

Introduction to Adlerian Psychology (IAP) -These are basic courses/workshops designed for anyone with an interest in Adlerian Psychology. They provide an exploration of Adler’s basic theory and beliefs. A minimum of 20 class hours is required.

Assessment Techniques and Strategies (ATS) - These courses/workshops provide for an investigation of the tools and techniques for understanding individuals within their social context. They focus on assessing lifestyle themes. A minimum of 30 class hours is required.

Family Education and Consultation (FEC) - These courses/workshops provide instruction in the practice and theory of family education and consultation, including parent study groups and open- forum consultation. A minimum of 40 class hours is required.

Ethics and Social Interest (ESI) - These courses/workshops allow for the examination of relevant legal and ethical canons in a context of the practice of social interest. A minimum of 10 class hours is required.

Students in the certificate program must have a minimum of 70 class hours in one of the following areas for a program concentration:

Applications to Counseling and Therapy (ACT) - These courses/workshops are designed for those wishing to deepen their understanding of the Adlerian counseling/therapy process with children, adolescents, and adults. OR

Adlerian Psychology in the Home, School, and Workplace (HSW) - These courses/workshops emphasize the application of Adlerian principles that help to promote improved human relations in all settings.

Courses/workshops in the program will be offered in a variety of configurations including evenings and weekends. Courses that have already been offered (and the categories to which they apply) are listed below:

Introduction to Individual Psychology = IAP

Anger Intelligence and Socratic Dialogue = HSW

Assessment Techniques in Adlerian Psychology = ATS

Social Interest and the Ethical Adlerian = ESI

Addictions Revisited - An Adlerian Perspective = ACT

Encouraging the Discouraged Student = HSW

An Adlerian View of Multiple Intelligences = HSW

Brain Gym Activities for Improving Learning = HSW

The Coach Approach for Teacher and Counselors = HSW

Adlerian Professional Coaching =HSW

Introduction to Adlerian Psychology = IAP

Click on the Workshop/Class Calendar for a current schedule of offerings. Each class/workshop is coded with the category to which it can be applied.

Program Coordinator and Workshop Instructors

The program coordinator and primary instructor is Dr. Al Milliren, Professor of Counseling Education at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Dr. Milliren was a student of Dr. Rudolf Dreikurs and currently serves ss a Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP). He has been recognized as a Diplomate in the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology and has more than thirty years experience applying Adlerian concepts in teaching, parent education, and counseling.

In cooperation with the West Texas Institute for Adlerian Studies, the following individuals serve as the international faculty to the program:

Mr. Bart Bernstein, J. D., Consultant (Dallas, TX)

Dr. James Bitter, Professor - East Tennessee State University (Johnson City, TN)

Dr. Art Brownell, Associate Professor - Odessa College (Odessa, TX)

Dr. Daniel Eckstein, President Elect, NASAP (Toronto, ON)

Ms. Mary Hughes, Family Education Representative to the COR, NASAP (Bellevue, NE)

Dr. Becky LaFountain, Executive Director, NASAP (Hershey, PA)

Mr. Mitch Messer, Director, Anger Clinic (Chicago, IL)

Ms. Edna Nash, At-Large Member of the Council of Representatives, NASAP (Vancouver, BC)

Dr. John Newbauer, President, NASAP (Fort Wayne, IN)

Dr. Linda Page, President, Adler Learning Consortium (Toronto, ON)

Dr. James Sulliman, Past President, NASAP (Abilene, TX)

Dr. Wes Wingett, Vice President, NASAP (Norfolk, NE)

Dr. Frank Walton, South Carolina Society of Adlerian Psychology (Columbia, SC)