Welcome to the Connection
NASAP’s Online Newsletter
September 2022 Issue
Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers,
Hello to all the Adlerians reading this newsletter! I know many of us are well into the new school year routines, and hopefully enjoying some cooler weather. Business has certainly picked up after the summer months, and I am out hitting the pavement to spread the word about Adlerian psychology.
As many of us have heard through NASAP, social media, or friends, Richard Watts passed away. In this newsletter as well as the monthly NASAP email blast, you will find information on how to support the family. I am fortunate to have met Richard Watts, and to this day continue to use techniques he taught me in a workshop at the 2017 conference. I wish I had more experiences with him, but the one I had was rich and impactful. My heart goes out to his family, and all fellow Adlerians who were touched by him.
As a part of the Florida Adlerian Society, I would like to mention a quick “safe the date” for the Florida conference here in Tampa March 3rd and 4th 2023 at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. I will include a call for proposals, and more information in later newsletters.
Thank you for reading the newsletter, and as always please reach out to the editorial team with any questions or submissions!
Caroline Faifman
Editor in Chief
President’s Address
Another month another president's column with a heavy heart. On September 2nd, we learned about the passing of our beloved colleague, teacher, mentor, friend, and the king of all jokes, Richard Watts. There are no words sufficient to describe our sadness and emptiness. Many years ago, I was lost in my scholarship, did not know what to focus on, and experienced a type of "scholar's block" fed with feelings of not-enoughness. I reached out to Richard; he listened, affirmed, let me think freely, allowed me to be imperfect, and guided me to defeat the feelings of "notgoodenoughness." As a thank you note, I shared the words of Rumi with him,
"Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone's soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd."
That particular day and many years later, Richard became all of these not only for me but many of us. It saddens me to think how much I will miss talking about Sufism and Christianity, Adler, NASAP, and, let's be honest, the unexpected jokes that pop up in the middle of a serious conversation… As an Adlerian community, let's live Richard's legacy by being a lamp, a lifeboat, and a ladder to one another.
Despite our losses, grief, and pain, life goes on….
As you may know, the theme for our 2023 conference is: "Changemaking: Everything Can Always Be Different."
As part of our Changemaking theme, and the feedback we received from our attendees and COR, we are converting our pre-conference day into a self- and community-care day meant to be a relaxing, enlightening, and connective experience. The goal is to create space for ourselves to take a break from our busy, stressful lives and come together as an Adlerian community. Please submit your proposals and consider participating in this fun and relaxing day!
There will still be the usual Sunday Post-Conference sessions. If you are interested in offering a Sunday Post-Conference, please use this link.
On August 18th, NASAP had its first town hall meeting. This was a part of my vision of having space for our community to gather, share, and problem-solve. The town hall meeting was well attended, and many ideas were shared and discussed. It was an energizing and encouraging gathering for all. More town halls will come. In the meantime, please reach out via email, text, call, or social media to share ideas, concerns, problems, and solutions by responding to "how can NASAP help you? What do you need from this organization?"
Until next time…
Bengü E. Tekinalp, NASAP President
Dear Readers,
In Memoriam:
Richard E. Watts
From Cheryl, Richard’s wife:
Dr. Richard E. Watts, 66, peacefully passed away at home on September 2nd after a 2+ year battle fighting glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl and his son, Will. What a blessed life they had together!
Richard devoted his life to education. His undergraduate degree was from Sam Houston State University. He then served as Minister of Music and Education at North Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. While living in McKinney he received a master’s degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Theological Seminary and a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas. He taught at Texas A&M Commerce, Kent State University, Baylor University and Sam Houston State University. Richard retired from Sam Houston State University in 2021. Over the years, he made many contributions to his professional career.
Even in death, Richard’s contribution to education was important, as his body has been donated to the UT McGovern Medical School. There will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Richard E Watts Research Award at Adler University in Chicago to honor his commitment to Adlerian theory and counseling.
Under Area of Support:
Select “Richard E. Watts Adlerian Research Award”
Call for 2023 Conference Presentation Proposals
Fall is just around the corner and that means that conference planning is in full swing.
Take the time to apply. We’d like you to contribute your input and talents to our 71st Annual Conference!
Due October 14th
Speaker Survey for Members
2023 Conference
Vote for Speakers!
The conference planning is in full swing and we need your input.
Who would you like to hear from as a keynote speaker or plenary session speaker or panel at the NASAP 2023 conference?
Take a few moments and fill out the survey.
Conferences & Events on our website!
Check out the Events page on the NASAP website!
The 6th Annual Minnesota Adlerian Conference
Helping Clients Change: Honoring Their Grieving Process
September 16, 2022
The South Carolina Society of Adlerian Psychology (SCSAP)
40th Annual Conference
September 30 - October 2, 2022
“What’s the Story?”:
Life style narratives study group
Next Meeting:
Sunday, September 25, 2022
1:00 p.m. Central time
Live Life Style Demonstration and (Group) Interpretation – Part 2
Last month (August 14) we conducted a “live” life style interview. We decided not to interpret the material until this month (September 25). You did not have to be at last month’s meeting to attend our September meeting. The transcription of the interview, for interpretation, will be made available this week. So, make plans to attend our Sunday, September 25, 2022 meeting:
Meeting ID: 212 8248 9562
Passcode (if needed): 717304
(1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (U.S./Canada/Chicago); 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time/New York; 12:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time/Denver; 11:00 a.m. Pacific/Los Angles; 7 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time/London; 8 p.m. Central European Time/Paris, Warsaw)
Empathy and Mental Health:
An Integral Model for Developing Therapeutic Skills in Counseling and Psychotherapy
Author: Arthur J. Clark, St. Lawrence University, New York, USA
I am excited to let you know that my latest book, Empathy and Mental Health Counseling: An Integral Model for Developing Therapeutic Skills in Counseling and Psychotherapy, was recently published by Routledge. I have attached a flyer for the text. The book is also available through Amazon Books.
Empathy and Mental Health features a multiple perspective model of empathy in the context of developing a wide range of therapeutic skills in counseling and psychotherapy. In the text, Alfred Adler is acknowledged as the first theorist to emphasize the significance of empathy in everyday life and in treatment practice. Early recollections are an essential component of the individual assessment process discussed in the book.
