The Adler University Center for Adlerian Practice and Scholarship (CAPS) is hosting an eight-part training series to help clinicians answer the question: How would Adlerian principles be applied to some of today’s most common psychological challenges and mental disorders?
Led by prominent Adlerian experts, all trainings are virtual, free, and open to the public — registration is required. The opening event will take place at noon CDT/10 a.m. PDT on Thursday, Dec. 5, with subsequent events held on select Thursdays at noon Central/10 a.m. Pacific through June 2025. Participation is especially encouraged for Adler faculty and their students.
“We have designed this series for clinicians and aspiring practitioners who are committed to deepening their expertise in Adlerian psychotherapy to effectively address today’s most prevalent psychological challenges,” said Marina Bluvshtein, Ph.D., CAPS director. “It builds on insights from Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, Fourth Edition: DSM-5-TR Diagnosis, Case Conceptualization, and Treatment, a reader-friendly and insight-rich guide for understanding and treating individuals with mental disorders.”
The book, published in August, is edited by Drs. Bluvshtein, Jon Sperry, Ph.D., and Len Sperry, M.D., Ph.D., who will be presenting during the CAPS training series.
The schedule, topics, and presenters are as follows:
- Dec. 5, noon-1:15 p.m. CDT/10 a.m. PDT
Psychopathology — An Adlerian Perspective (an Overview and Fundamental Principles) with Dr. Bluvshtein (Register)
Dr. Bluvshtein is an internationally recognized speaker, training facilitator, and professor. She is one of the world’s foremost experts in Adlerian psychology. In addition to her role as CAPS director, she is president of the International Association of Individual Psychology (IAIP). She is also a NASAP Diplomate in Adlerian Psychology, an associate editor of the Journal of Individual Psychology, and a board member and faculty at the International Adlerian Summer School (ICASSI). - Jan. 9, 2025, noon-1:15 CDT/10 a.m. PDT
Adlerian Approach to Sleep-Wake Disorders with Jennifer Williamson, Ph.D., Daniel Williamson, Ph.D., and Rocky Garrison, Ph.D. (Register)Drs. Jennifer and Daniel Williamson are diplomates in Adlerian Psychology with NASAP and currently serve as core faculty with Capella University. They are Fulbright Specialist Alums in Mental Health and serve on numerous professional journal editorial boards in counseling and psychology. Dr. Garrison holds a certificate in Adlerian Psychotherapy and is a diplomate in Adlerian Psychology from NASAP. He has served as treasurer of IAIP, a board member and president of the Oregon Soceity of Individual Psychology and has published several papers in the Journal of Individual Psychology. He currently teaches online courses at Adler University. - Jan. 30, 2025, noon-1:15 CDT/10 a.m. PDT
Adlerian Approach to Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders with Dr. Bluvshtein, Sara Saeedi, Psy.D., and Pamela Oberoi (Register)Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Saeedi is a dedicated advocate for international women’s rights, collaborating extensively with organizations such as Amnesty International. Her approach to psychotherapy is distinguished by an intersectional and cultural lens, aimed at destigmatizing and decolonizing mental health practices.Oberoi is the director of the Refugee Mental Health Program at Pathways Counseling Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. She also works in private practice and contracts with organizations working with individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.
- Feb. 13, 2025, noon-1:15 p.m. CDT/10 a.m. PDT
Adlerian Approach to Personality Disorders with Len Sperry, M.D., Ph.D. (Register)
Dr. Sperry is an emeritus professor at Florida Atlantic University and serves as a clinical professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is a diplomate in psychiatry, preventive medicine, clinical psychology, and Adlerian Psychology. His more than 1,200 professional publications include 100 articles in the Journal of Individual Psychology and over 100 books, such as “Learning and Practicing Adlerian Therapy” and three editions of “Psychopathology and Psychotherapy.” - March 27, 2025, noon-1:15 p.m. CDT.
Adlerian Approach to Depressive Disorders with Dinko Aleksandrov, Psy.D. (Register) Dr. Aleksandrov has been closely involved with the Adlerian community, both domestically and internationally, for the past decade. It is one of his most enjoyable and rewarding passions, and he is very excited to serve on the CAPS Advisory Council. He has been with Adler since 2020. - April 10, 2025, noon-1:15 p.m. CDT/10 a.m. PDT
Adlerian Approach to Substance Use Disorders with Jonathan Sperry, Ph.D. (Register)Dr. Sperry is an associate professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lynn University and works in private practice in the U.S. He was awarded a diplomate in Adlerian Psychology in 2016 and holds a certificate in Adlerian Psychotherapy. He served as president of NASAP from 2017-18 and currently serves as co-editor of the Journal of Individual Psychology. - May 29, 2025, noon-1:15 p.m./10 a.m. PDT
Adlerian Approach to Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders with Courtney Evans, Ph.D. CDT (Register) Dr. Evans is an associate professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University. She serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Individual Psychology and teaches classes in Adlerian play therapy for the League of Extraordinary Adlerian Play Therapists. She also owns and works in private practice. - June 12, 2025, noon-1:15 p.m. CDT/10 a.m. PDT
Adlerian Approach to Neurocognitive Disorders with Dr. Bluvshtein (Register)
The mission of CAPS is to maintain, promote, and grow the core theory, research, and methods of Adlerian Psychology, its foundational roots, and best practice applications. This includes supporting, educating, training, and engaging people and communities interested in Adlerian Psychology.
“Attendees of the training series will gain valuable new knowledge and skills that will directly enhance their practice,” said Dr. Bluvshtein. “Beyond the educational content, it creates a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with a community of like-minded Adlerians who are all committed to improving human well-being through compassionate, evidence-based approaches.”