Psychology: Advanced Adlerian Psychotherapy Emphasis, (Psy.D.)

  

Emphasis Overview

Adler University doctoral students working toward the Psy.D. may pursue training in the Advanced Adlerian Psychotherapy Emphasis concurrently with their doctoral work. This emphasis is designed to provide advanced experience and training in the principles, techniques, and methodologies of Alfred Adler. This emphasis was developed to allow qualified individuals an opportunity to obtain deeper knowledge and advanced clinical skills and participate in supervised clinical work in Adlerian therapy.

The advanced emphasis focuses on building on the basic skills provided to all Psy.D. students. In addition, it will help the student build requisite skills that critically integrate the Adlerian foundation into current approaches and special needs areas. Attention is being given to evidence-based techniques and the field’s best practices. Following the six standard Adlerian credits required for the doctorate degree (PSY 710, PSY 711), the emphasis’ advanced courses will enhance the student’s/clinician’s skills in assessment and interventions, as well as training in Adlerian play therapy, group therapy, family therapy, parent guidance, and couple therapy.

The emphasis in Advanced Adlerian Psychotherapy has a long history here in Chicago. The Alfred Adler Institute of Chicago initially educated practicing clinicians to be Adlerian therapists solely through a series of classes led by Rudolf Dreikurs, M.D., Bernard Shulman, M.D., and Harold Mosak, Ph.D. This approach originally grew into an established certification in Adlerian psychology, as well as an emphasis currently within the Psy.D. Program.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Enrollment in the clinical psychology Psy.D. program and in good academic standing

Training Requirements

Students can either attend the NASAP Annual conference (two days of training), ICASSI (one week of activities), or an equivalent training experience (15 hours minimum) through CAPS, a local NASAP affiliate or other Adlerian seminar/workshop/conference as approved by the emphasis coordinator.

Dissertation Requirement

Doctoral students seeking this emphasis must have an Adlerian focus for their dissertation. However, this focus may integrate other areas of interest.

Total Credit Hours Required: 15 total

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses.
2. Satisfactory completion of training requirements.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and no grades below “B”.
4. Successful completion of a dissertation and submission to the Psy.D. department.