Although Adler achieved worldwide recognition during his lifetime, after his death in 1937 an accurate perception of his ideas in the United States diminished, largely because of the limited number of his translated clinical works; misrepresentations of his theory, philosophy, and therapeutic style in academic texts; and authors who attempted to simplify and systematize his approach. Although many clinicians have read his popular writings, few have studied his clinical works. Some have even lifted pieces of Adler's theory and inserted them in an eclectic framework, defeating the purpose of his integrated vision and contradicting his beliefs. His style of treatment was warm, gentle, and creative, not cool, aggressive, and systematic. The therapist's personality and attitude must be fully congruent with Adler's philosophy. Clinicians, instructors, and authors who deviate promote their own approach, not Adler's.

Simplifications and distortions by other authors have misled students into believing that a number of "Adlerian" approaches are equally valid. Classical Adlerian Depth Psychotherapy (CADP) is rooted in Adler's original teachings and style of treatment. Our work is also influenced by early Adlerians who remained faithful to Adler's ideas and treatment strategies: Sophia de Vries, Alexander Mueller, Anthony Bruck, and Lydia Sicher. To retain Adler's rich legacy, we have translated, edited, and published a twelve-volume set of The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler; offer mentor-oriented distance-training; and have maintained a website and mailing list since l996. In the 1950's, Alexander Mueller predicted that "Adler will have to be re-discovered, from the roots up, by a future generation." We have accepted that challenge.