Exploring Classical Adlerian Practitioners’ Professional Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This qualitative study examined the classical Adlerian practitioners’ experiences of developing professional identity. Classical Adlerian practitioners are a group of individuals who operationalize from classical Adlerian depth psychotherapy, one of the divergences from Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, data were gathered from two classical Adlerian practitioners using individual semi structured interviews. Findings presented four themes, including influences on developing their professional identities as classical Adlerians, congruency between professional and personal selves, the intertwined learning and applying process, and theoretical divergences within Adlerian Psychology. Implications for training and continued education are suggested.