Integrating Mindfulness Into Adlerian Theory and Practice

Abstract

Integrating Mindfulness Into Adlerian Theory and Practice Bengu Erguner-Tekinalp, Guest Editor Contemplative practices such as mindfulness and meditation have gained momentum in therapy, education, organizational psychology, and research. A growing body of research demonstrates that secular contemplative practices such as mindfulness meditation have a positive impact on an individual’s mental and physical well-being, learning, as well as building a sense of community and interconnectedness (i.e., Hick & Bien, 2008; Rodríguez-Carvajal et al., 2016; Trautwein et al., 2016). Recent research also demonstrates the impact of mindfulness practices on therapists’ effectiveness (Bibeau et al., 2016). Mindfulness practices support personal development, mental health, and community feeling by increasing the ability to concentrate even in the presence of internal and external distractions and helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness practices are especially connected with social interest, as both Adlerian theory and mindfulness and meditation emphasize interconnectedness. This special issue demonstrates various ways of integrating mindfulness into Adlerian practice. Integrating mindfulness into Adlerian practice is not a new idea; however, it is a less explored area of study. The late Dr. Jon Carlson was a trailblazer in bringing the discussion of mindfulness and meditation to the theory and practice of Individual Psychology. In 2011, Dr. Carlson coauthored with Englar-Carlson and Emavardhana an article on integrating Buddhism with Adlerian therapy, “Was Adler From Bangkok? Applying an Adlerian-Buddhist Approach in Thailand,” which can be considered the first exploration of how mindfulness and meditation align with Adlerian theory and practice. In their later article in 2012, Adlerian theory and mindfulness were explored in the context of Thailand. Dr. Carlson continued to show the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in his later work, and his writings set the vision and gave the courage for this special issue. [End Page 389] We have many articles in this special issue that provide theoretical background and context, explore mindfulness in the Adlerian framework, and show the integration of mindfulness into clinical practice. It is noteworthy that all these articles were written when our worlds were turned upside down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and global crisis. When we were all adjusting to working from home while homeschooling our children, delivering courses online, and making changes in our conference and other travel plans, our authors carved out the time to contribute to the Individual Psychology scholarship. The special issue opens with Rocky Garrison’s article, which provides the cultural and theoretical context for the issue. As most mindfulness practices in the West are rooted in Buddhist teachings, understanding the cultural foundation of mindfulness will decrease the risk of cultural appropriation. Garrison provides historical background and philosophical under pinnings of Buddhist mindfulness practices. Leslie White’s article brings Alfred Adler’s own early recollections and demonstrates how Adler used his early recollections to be more mindful of his perceptions, behavior, and lifestyle. This article can provide guidance for Adlerian practitioners to explore early recollections mindfully. Marina Bluvshtein, Sara Saeedi, Noah DeBruyn, and Karen Leta Gillespie present a theoretical framework and a case study that integrates mindfulness and metaphors by bringing an under standing of brain pathways and functions involved in the development of Gemeinschaftsgefühl. Exploring the relationships of mindfulness, therapeutic metaphors, and brain functioning within Individual Psychology, especially connection in Gemeinschaftsgefühl, can guide practitioners and future research. Lilya Shienko’s article reviews mindfulness practices in Adlerian therapy as an alternative to medical treatment of depression. The article by Rebecca Dickinson and Ellen Daly demonstrates how to incorporate mindfulness into Adlerian play therapy. The last two articles are not directly related to mindfulness, but they both provide intriguing applications of Individual Psychology. Danny McCarty and Erin Kern Popejoy offer a creative study of tattoo narratives and Adlerian concepts in their article “Social Interest and the Purposive Nature of Tattoos.” The final article, by Paul Rasmussen and Stephen Taylor, discusses the link between adaptive reorientation training and acceptance and commitment therapy. I am excited that this special issue continues the legacy set by Dr. Carlson by exploring ways to integrate mindfulness in Adlerian theory and practice. I am hoping that the articles will help educators, academicians, practitioners, coaches, parent educators, and therapists in...