The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 12: The General System of Individual Psychology

The General System of Individual Psychology is an unpublished manuscript by Alfred Adler that was discovered in the Library of Congress. The thirteen undated lectures, identified as chapters, form a complete series that Adler presented in English, possibly in New York City. Adler's terminology and style suggest that the lectures were given later in his career, and represent a summary of his matured theory of the personality, as well as principles of prevention and treatment. This volume summarizes the abundant diversity of topics Adler covered from 1898 to 1937. To complement Adler's summary, and bring the reader up-to-date on contemporary Classical Adlerian practice, several articles have been added in the appendix. Appendix A, “Classical Adlerian Theory and Practice,” offers a survey of basic constructs, an expanded exposition of the stages of individual psychotherapy, and the integration of Abraham Maslow's vision of optimal functioning with Adler’s. Appendix B, “Providing the Missing Developmental Experience in Classical Adlerian Psychotherapy,” explores the use of guided and eidetic imagery to facilitate emotional breakthroughs in treatment. Appendix C, “Adler and Socrates: Similarities and Differences,” clarifies the style and purpose of Socratic questioning in Classical Adlerian psychotherapy. Appendix D, “Demonstration of the Socratic Method in Classical Adlerian Psychotherapy With a Man Who Procrastinates,” illustrates how skillful questioning can lead a client to insight. Appendix E, “Training of a Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapist,” clarifies the steps of preparation required to gain competence in this discipline. Appendix F, “Excerpt from ‘In Memoriam - Alfred Adler,’” offers an eloquent tribute to Adler given by Dr. Ferdinand Birnbaum in Vienna, in 1937.

About the Author

Alfred Adler was born in Vienna, Austria on February 7, 1870. During the early decades of this century he originated the ideas which, to a large extent, have been incorporated in the mainstream of present-day theory and practice of psychology and psychopathology.