Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Practitioner’s Wellness Approach

Mon, 2 Mar 2020 21:31:16 GMT

Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Practitioner’s Wellness Approach (6th ed.)

Book Being Reviewed:
Sweeney, T. J. (2019). Adlerian counseling and psychotherapy: A practitioner’s wellness approach (6th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.

Reviewers:
Everett Painter & Daphne Washington

Curricular Areas:
Assessment, Career Development, Consultation, Counselor Education, Diversity/Multiculturalism/Social Justice, Group Work, Helping Relationships/Counseling Theory, Human Development, Marital/Couple/Family Counseling

Subject Headings:
Career, Female Lifespan Development, Heath/Wellness, Male Lifespan Development, Multicultural/Cross-Cultural Issues, Relationships, Social Justice

Review:
Referred to by colleagues as the “new Bible of Adlerian psychology and counseling,” Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Practitioner’s Wellness Approach (6th ed.) is a comprehensive text that speaks to the historical and theoretical underpinnings of Adlerian theory, while also providing guidance on how this approach may be effectively utilized with clients across the lifespan. Thomas Sweeney remains focused on the practitioner as he explores the legacy of Adler relative to our understanding of individual psychology and agency. This sixth edition further elaborates on the nature of wellness as it relates to Adlerian practice, reviewing the Wheel of Wellness and Indivisible Self models, along with neuroscience approaches and how they contribute to a modern, wellness-focused counseling model to be utilized by Adlerian and non-Adlerian therapists alike. There is significant emphasis on counseling techniques such as the use of encouragement and lifestyle assessment, the counseling goal of increasing social interest, and how to work within an Adlerian wellness model while meeting DSM-V diagnostic demands. The implications are clear in providing a foundation for a hopeful, positive approach grounded in the belief that human beings have an amazing capacity for change. There is a de-emphasis on pathology and maintenance as we move to embrace growth and the development of the whole individual. The latter portion of the text speaks to ways in which an Adlerian wellness approach can be used in career counseling, with children and adolescents, in group work, and when conducting couples and family counseling. The text closes with a discussion of what it means to be an Adlerian, also speaking to how this way of being can inform work beyond the clinical office, including the arenas of teaching, consultation, supervision, and mentorship.

The importance of social context is apparent throughout and illustrates how application of these ideas have a ripple effect beyond the individual for the betterment of a person’s immediate environment. This work is an excellent resource for those who are interested in obtaining a contemporary introduction to Adlerian theory as well as for more seasoned counselors who are seeking to develop a wellness approach to therapy grounded in an Adlerian framework. This is done by way of personable descriptions and illustrations that contribute to a conversational quality. Counselor educators who are teaching seminar courses on Adlerian theory may find this book an excellent fit as a primary text, as it is rich in examples, case studies, techniques, study questions and activities to stimulate learning and discussion. Practicum and internship students who desire to incorporate Adlerian ideas will find this book extremely helpful in furthering their practice as it outlines practical steps to approaching assessment, case conceptualization and treatment for both a variety of client concerns and counseling modalities. It is essential for any Adlerian library or practitioner looking to improve their effectiveness. Thomas Sweeney eloquently conveys the significant and enduring contributions of Adler that remain relevant for practice today.