The Adler University resident Adlerian, Marina Bluvshtein, Ph.D., received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 71st NASAP Annual Conference, held June 1-4 in Denver, Colorado. The award recognized her significant contributions to Adlerian psychology and the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology(NASAP).

“I’m honored and filled with so much gratitude to receive the award from this community,” said Dr. Bluvshtein, diplomate in Adlerian Psychology and director of the Center for Adlerian Practice and Scholarship. “Having the NASAP family in my life has been a highlight in my career.”

Dr. Bluvshtein was nominated for the award by colleagues from the Ukrainian Association of Individual Psychology (UAIP), which she helped established in 2018. The UAIP highlighted Dr. Bluvshtein’s quick response to the Russian military invasion by offering support to colleagues, including providing therapeutic services at training events and conducting fundraising efforts.

Members of the Ukrainian Association of Individual Psychology nominated Dr. Bluvshtein to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“In these terrible days of the war, which the entire Ukrainian people are experiencing, it is crucial for us to have the NASAP community and the highly professional, humanistic Marina Bluvshtein by our side,” said UAIP President Zoryana Koshulynska, Ph.D., who, along with her Ukrainian colleagues, found time in their trying circumstances during the war to record and submit a 14-minute nomination video.

“I’m honored and filled with so much gratitude to receive the award from this community,” said Dr. Bluvshtein.

“My Ukrainian friends’ recording, which I can’t watch without tears, is the most significant part of the award for me,” Dr. Bluvshtein said. “This is the expression of Gemeinschaftsgefuhl in its rich and pure form.”

Dr. Bluvshtein received her Ph.D. in Psychology with a Specialization in Clinical Psychology (Geriatrics) from the Harold Abel School of Psychology at Capella University. Before coming to Adler University in 2016, she held positions within the Adler Graduate School of Minnesota as the director of online education and special projects, director of Adlerian studies and online education, and director of Adlerian studies program.

Now, as the director of the Center for Adlerian Practice and Scholarship, Dr. Bluvshtein supports, educates, trains, and engages people and communities interested in Adlerian psychology. The Center conducts research, works on archival materials, and serves as a clearinghouse of all things Adlerian. It partners with students, faculty, and staff at all three Adler University campuses, and with Adlerians from around the world.

NASAP’s mission is to foster and promote the research, knowledge, training, and application of Adlerian Psychology, maintaining its principles and encouraging its growth. NASAP was established in 1952 by Rudolf Dreikurs, also one of Adler University’s primary founders.