Individual psychology: Artificial intelligence, EMDR, Putin’s lifestyle, and more
Description
THIS ISSUE EXTENDS THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY with five articles that demonstrate the relevance of Individual Psychology in the wider world today. This open issue includes topics such as trauma therapy, artificial intelligence, and an in-depth analysis of Vladimir Putin’s lifestyle. We are excited to share these incredibly interesting articles with you all.
The first article, “The Adlerian Model: Core Theoretical Components,” by Paul Rasmussen, expands on the core theoretical components of Individual Psychology. He discusses the reality that Individual Psychology theory has the potential of being misunderstood and, through that, underappreciated and potentially misused. He identifies the core components as the law of movement, teleology, holism, phenomenology, style of life, tasks of life, and social interest. Each of these core components provides a comprehensive framework for clinical assessment, conceptualization, and treatment formulation.
Most mental health practitioners around the globe typically integrate two or more psychotherapy approaches in their professional practice.The second article by Courtney Evans and Kim Feeney discusses the connection between Adler’s theory and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) in their article, “Can EMDR Complement Adlerian Play Therapy?” Their article provides an overview of the description of similarities and differences of Individual Psychology and the adaptive information-processing model that informs EMDR. The authors offer a case study to illustrate how EMDR can incorporate Adlerian play therapy in a theoretically sound way.
Imagine using artificial intelligence (AI) to help individuals connect to their early recollections. Massimo Borg and Marina Bluvshtein have imagined and implemented this idea in their article “Early Recollections and the Use of Artificial Intelligence.” The article explores the use [End Page 97] of AI-generated images in Adlerian therapy with clients’ early recollections. They review the history of AI, cover current advancements in the use of AI in health care, discuss the risks and benefits of AI, and offer directions for future research and clinical application. Last, they illustrate this exciting idea through the use of a case example. [Excerpt]
The fourth article is an examination of lifestyle and early memories, “The Lifestyle of Vladimir Putin,” by Les White. Before Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia, he was interviewed by three Russian journalists who asked him questions that were remarkably similar to an Adlerian lifestyle assessment. The author offers his own Adlerian-informed interpretations and understanding of Putin’s striving for significance in his life today.
The final article, by Len Sperry, “Professional Publications: Changes and Implications for NASAP,” discusses how many professions and their professional organizations attempt to meet the needs of their members through three main professional publication types: journals, newsletters, and magazines. The author describes each in terms of readership, focus, content, and criteria for publication. Implications for the publications of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) are discussed.
Unfortunately, we live in a time when there is no shortage of violence and war around the globe. As coeditors, we acknowledge the suffering and collective trauma of Israeli, Palestinian, Ukrainian, and other communities. Because we often correspond with NASAP members around North America and Europe, we are aware of the efforts of many members who have provided various forms of support, including educational activities, coaching, and therapeutic services to individuals in these affected communities. We hope this issue further inspires readers to bring Adlerian ideas and practices to the communities that need it most. We are grateful to the University of Texas Press, which, due to shipping delays, sent digital copies of some of the recent issues of the journal to authors and readers in these war-torn regions.
The first article, “The Adlerian Model: Core Theoretical Components,” by Paul Rasmussen, expands on the core theoretical components of Individual Psychology. He discusses the reality that Individual Psychology theory has the potential of being misunderstood and, through that, underappreciated and potentially misused. He identifies the core components as the law of movement, teleology, holism, phenomenology, style of life, tasks of life, and social interest. Each of these core components provides a comprehensive framework for clinical assessment, conceptualization, and treatment formulation.
Most mental health practitioners around the globe typically integrate two or more psychotherapy approaches in their professional practice.The second article by Courtney Evans and Kim Feeney discusses the connection between Adler’s theory and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) in their article, “Can EMDR Complement Adlerian Play Therapy?” Their article provides an overview of the description of similarities and differences of Individual Psychology and the adaptive information-processing model that informs EMDR. The authors offer a case study to illustrate how EMDR can incorporate Adlerian play therapy in a theoretically sound way.
Imagine using artificial intelligence (AI) to help individuals connect to their early recollections. Massimo Borg and Marina Bluvshtein have imagined and implemented this idea in their article “Early Recollections and the Use of Artificial Intelligence.” The article explores the use [End Page 97] of AI-generated images in Adlerian therapy with clients’ early recollections. They review the history of AI, cover current advancements in the use of AI in health care, discuss the risks and benefits of AI, and offer directions for future research and clinical application. Last, they illustrate this exciting idea through the use of a case example. [Excerpt]
The fourth article is an examination of lifestyle and early memories, “The Lifestyle of Vladimir Putin,” by Les White. Before Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia, he was interviewed by three Russian journalists who asked him questions that were remarkably similar to an Adlerian lifestyle assessment. The author offers his own Adlerian-informed interpretations and understanding of Putin’s striving for significance in his life today.
The final article, by Len Sperry, “Professional Publications: Changes and Implications for NASAP,” discusses how many professions and their professional organizations attempt to meet the needs of their members through three main professional publication types: journals, newsletters, and magazines. The author describes each in terms of readership, focus, content, and criteria for publication. Implications for the publications of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP) are discussed.
Unfortunately, we live in a time when there is no shortage of violence and war around the globe. As coeditors, we acknowledge the suffering and collective trauma of Israeli, Palestinian, Ukrainian, and other communities. Because we often correspond with NASAP members around North America and Europe, we are aware of the efforts of many members who have provided various forms of support, including educational activities, coaching, and therapeutic services to individuals in these affected communities. We hope this issue further inspires readers to bring Adlerian ideas and practices to the communities that need it most. We are grateful to the University of Texas Press, which, due to shipping delays, sent digital copies of some of the recent issues of the journal to authors and readers in these war-torn regions.
Format
Journal
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Sperry, J., & Sperry, L. (2024). Individual psychology: Artificial intelligence, EMDR, Putin’s lifestyle, and more. The Journal of Individual Psychology 80(2), 97-98. doi:10.1353/jip.2024.a929764
Collection
Citation
“Individual psychology: Artificial intelligence, EMDR, Putin’s lifestyle, and more,” Francine Shapiro Legacy Library, accessed May 24, 2025, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/29241.