Theory & Practice:
A Socratic Approach to Democratic Living

Trained by Sophia de Vries and Anthony Bruck, both of whom studied with Alfred Adler, Dr. Stein is the leading exponent of Classical Adlerian Psychology today. With nearly fourty years of experience as a depth psychotherapist and training analyst, he brings Adler's original theory and philosophy to life in the practice of psychotherapy with rare insight and artistry. His unique contributions to Adlerian practice include an articulation of twelve stages of treatment, a creative adaptation of the Socratic method, the use of guided and eidetic imagery, a process for providing the missing developmental experience, and an integration of Abraham Maslow's conception of self-actualization with Adler's view of optimal functioning.

After Adler's death in 1937, his warm, gentle, diplomatic approach to practice was sustained by a small group of faithful followers like Kurt Adler, Sophia de Vries, Alexander Mueller, and Lydia Sicher. For decades, the mainstream of Adlerian practice in North America and Europe has drifted into simplifications and distortions of Adler's original theory and style of treatment. The time is ripe for a rediscovery of Adler's contribution to depth psychotherapy.

Volume I is divided into four parts. Part One: Overview of Classical Adlerian Theory provides vivid descriptions, explanations, and illustrations of twenty-six core constructs that form the conceptual foundation of Adler's original approach. Part Two: Stages and Tasks of Depth Psychotherapy clarifies the complex, subtle work that needs to be accomplished at each stage of treatment. Part Three: Socratic Questioning in Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy offers an in-depth examination of the primary therapeutic strategy for cognitive change. Five transcribed demonstrations of Socratic questioning, with comprehensive, line-by-line process notes, bring the strategy to life. Part Four: Providing the Missing Experience explores strategies like guided and eidetic imagery, and role-playing to facilitate affective and behavioral change.