Florida Adlerian Society 29th Annual Conference
March 7th & 8th, 2025
Safety Harbor Resort
105 North Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Friday, March 7th
Full Day Workshops
A1. Theoretical Overview & Demonstration of Couples and Family Counseling (9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.)
– Timothy D. Evans, Ph. D. & Geri Carter, MA, LMHC
Carter and Evans Marriage and Family Therapy, Florida
This workshop will present and demonstrate the theory and practice of Individual Psychology applied to couples and family counseling. The theory and techniques will be presented followed by a live demonstration with both couple counseling and family counseling.
A2. Adlerian Lifestyle Investigation: Uncovering Hidden Goals & Strategies (9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.)
– Calvin Armerding, MA, LPC-S, DNASAP, Travelers Rest Counseling Associates, South Carolina
In this interactive workshop, participants will engage in Adlerian lifestyle investigation techniques to identify personal goals and strategies for growth. Attendees will learn to apply these techniques in case conceptualization and will witness live demonstrations, enhancing their understanding of how lifestyles influence choices and behaviors for meaningful change and improved well-being.
Half Day Workshops
A3. Adler & Religion: The Uses and Abuses of Religion (9:00 A.M. – Noon)
– John F. Newbauer, Ed.D., HSPP, DNASAP, Indiana
This workshop will review Adler’s ideas on religion and spirituality and the challenges these offer in today’s world. We will examine Adler’s ideas on God, religion, and spirituality as expressed in his writings and those of contemporary Adlerians. Social Interest will be explored as a goal of Adlerian Psychology and participants will explore uses/abuses of religion today including Christian Nationalism.
A4. First Glances and Hidden Dances: Exploring Daydreams, Fantasies, and First Impressions in Relationship Dynamics (1:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M)
– Lindsay Hill, M. Ed., Travelers Rest Counseling Associates, South Carolina
This interactive workshop examines how initial attractions and relational fantasies shape long-term dynamics and life goals. Using Adlerian principles, participants will explore how these early impressions mirror core values and strategies for happiness. Through demonstrations, case studies, and exercises, attendees will gain skills to help clients navigate relational challenges with deeper insight and purpose.
Social Event 4:30 P.M. – 5:45 P.M.
Reception & Encouragement Exchange – “Why am I an Adlerian?”
with John F. Newbauer, Ed.D., HSSP, DNASAP, Newbauer Consulting, Indiana
Saturday, March 8th
Keynote Address 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Peptides, Hormones, and Alternative Therapies in Practice: Understanding Integrative Therapies
– Dr. Michelle Gillespie, D.O., PRAMAH Anti-aging & Longevity, The HAVEN Concierge Medicine, Florida
With Alder’s concept of holism in mind, this presentation will examine medical therapy aimed at improving a patient’s concept of self and “healthiness”. We will explore the innovative use of supplements, peptides, weight loss medicines, hormone optimization, and alternative therapies for enhancing patient outcomes.
Workshop Session 10:45 a.m. – Noon
B1. An Introduction to the Usefulness of Adlerian Counseling
– Anthony Miller MA, LMHC, Retired, Florida
This workshop will provide a brief overview of the theory and the utility of Adlerian thought and practice in today’s clinical environment. The emphasis will be on the many applications appropriate to individuals, families, couples and the workplace arenas of service delivery.
B2. The Opposite of Addiction
– Katie Evans, M.A., Recreate Life Counseling
– Timothy D. Evans, Ph. D., Carter and Evans Marriage and Family Therapy, Florida
Drugs can become a “symptom” for avoiding life and receiving service from others. Addiction is the relationship with a substance that eliminates choices in the life tasks. This process of discouragement involves negative nonsense, high standards, and a lack of interest in others. The curative factor is not abstinence but connection with a healthy relationship.
B3. The Third Task: Intimacy
– Geri Carter, MA, LMHC, Carter and Evans Marriage and Family Therapy, Florida
This workshop will offer an Alderian approach to sex therapy and provide ways for couples to improve their relationship through intimacy, desirability, and eroticism.
Workshop Session 1:30 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.
B4. Courageous Parenting
– Addie Carothers, MA, LMFT, CLC, Director of Wellness, The University of Tampa, CEO of Carothers Consulting, Florida
This workshop is open to parents, people who hope to one day be parents, and people who work with children. Encourage one another to lean into the vulnerability of parenting. Let go of being a “good parent” and learn strategies that can be used to raise a cooperative contributor.
B5. Transformative Experiences: Psychedelics and Adlerian Psychology
– Scott Jenson, MA, Clinical Counselor, Florida
This presentation explores the intersection of psychedelics and Adlerian psychology, focusing on their potential to foster personal growth and address mental health challenges. We’ll discuss how psychedelics can enhance self-awareness and connection, aligning with Adler’s principles of social interest and private logic.
B6. Will the Real Men Stand Up
– Timothy D. Evans, Ph. D., Carter and Evans Marriage and Family Therapy, Florida
The assumption of masculine superiority has always been a threat to women and men alike. What is a real man? This workshop will address equality from an Alderian point of view.
Workshop Session 3:00 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.
B7. Love & Life: Exploring Partner Selection Through Adler’s 3 Life Tasks
– Calvin Armerding, MA, LPC-S, DNASAP, Travelers Rest Counseling Associates, South Carolina
This workshop will explore Alfred Adler’s original three life tasks—friendship, love, and work—as a framework for understanding partner selection. By examining how these tasks influence relationship dynamics, attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering meaningful connections and making informed choices in their partner selection.
B8. TikTok Diagnostic Syndrome
– Kathryn Coker, Ed. D, LMHC, CEO Lifewin Counseling, Florida & Bruce H. Garver, MS, Health Connect America, Florida
This workshop will help parents, clinicians, and others to navigate the world of social media and gaming, and its impact on our youth. Participants will explore the world of social media and the mainstreaming of clinical terminology through an Adlerian Perspective. Participants will be asked to compare Adlerian concepts of cooperation and the Tasks of Life to the realities of screen time.
B9. Family Meeting Demonstration
– Geri Carter, MA, LMHC, Carter and Evans Marriage and Family Therapy, Florida
Democratic meetings are an essential tool in Adlerian Psychology. This workshop will provide a theoretical rationale for family meetings as well as demonstrate how your family can use it for greater cooperation and teamwork in your home.