Adler Academy of Minnesota
9th Annual Conference
Oct 3, 2025 + Oct 11, 2025
This year’s conference will take place over two days
October 3 & 11, 2025
You may attend either day—or both!
Adler Academy of Minnesota 9th Annual Conference
Helping Clients Change: Using imagination to inspire movement in yourself and your clients
Register HereTherapists have long used the creative arts, storytelling, interpretations of memories and stories (fairy tales) heard when we were very young, and expressions of life in the arts to gain a holistic understanding of the individual and to point that same individual toward a more functional, preferred life. Our clients too often use their imaginations to envision pessimistic outcomes, to worry about problems that might happen, to imagine doom from failures and difficulties, to engage in hopelessness even in the face of new possibilities. This conference asks participants to engage in activities that can be used with clients to stimulate their imagination in the service of happiness, growth, and desired outcomes in therapy, interpersonal relationships outside of therapy, and in greater social systems.Â
The first part Day One of the conference, which will be held in person on October 3, 2025, will focus on personal expression and the gift of imagination in the therapist’s life and work. The second part of Day One of the conference (in-person, on the same day) will include demonstrations and small-group practice using imagination in the therapy process. Day Two of the conference (synchronous online/Zoom on October 11, 2025) will address the ethical use of imagination and other creative interventions for clinicians and supervisors. Culture-infused meaning and processes will be threaded throughout the conference. The overall theme of the training is deeply systemic, approaching therapeutic encounters from many interlocking systems levels.
Featuring
Dr. Jim Bitter, Ed.D.
Oct 3, 2025
James (Jim) R. Bitter, Ed.D., is an Adlerian scholar and trainer in Adlerian psychology and therapeutic practice. He has made significant contributions to Adlerian counseling and therapy and is well-known both domestically in the US and internationally. Bitter studied with renowned therapists such as Virginia Satir (Family Therapy), Erv and Miriam Polster (Gestalt Therapy), and Michael White (Narrative Therapy). His work spans decades, and he has authored multiple books on counseling and therapy.
Marina Bluvshtein, Ph.D., LP, MA LMFT
Oct 3 + 11, 2025
Marina Bluvshtein, Ph.D., is an Adlerian therapist, researcher, supervisor, and writer. She took her teaching to 20 countries and authored more than 30 articles. She is a professor at Adler University and co-founder of Adler Academy of MN. Her area of expertise includes the early recollections, dreams, metaphors, cross-cultural and cross-lingual therapy and supervision, and the history of psychology.
Day 1 - In-Person Event
Date and Time: October 3, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
(Registration & breakfast at 9:30 AM; conference begins at 10:00 AM) Lunch is included
Topic: Helping Clients Change: Using Imagination to Inspire Movement in Yourself and Your Clients
A full-day Adlerian training exploring imaginative techniques for therapeutic change.
Location: Clifton E. French Regional Park – Oakwood Room (inside the French Visitor Center) | 12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441
Featuring: Dr. Jim Bitter & Dr. Marina Bluvshtein
Includes:
- 6 CE hours total (includes 3.5 hours of cultural competency; CE approval pending)
- Printed materials
- Catered lunch
Day 2 - Virtual Event
Date and Time: October 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
 (Live on Zoom)
Topic: Helping Clients Change: Using Imagination to Inspire Movement in Yourself and Your Clients – Implications for Culturally Responsive Ethical Practice and Supervision
 A half-day Adlerian training on the ethical, cultural, and supervisory implications of using imagination in clinical practice.
Location: Online via Zoom (link will be sent to registered participants)
Featuring: Dr. Marina Bluvshtein
Includes: 3 CE hours total (includes 3 hours of ethics; 1.5 hours of cultural competency; 3 hours of supervision – Participant is responsible for assigning hours to a specific area based on board requirements; CE approval pending) and access to digital materials.
There will be an opportunity for anyone needing another hour in supervision CE will have a chance to add another hour of dyadic training later this year as needed. Â
Lunch Provided by Naf Naf Grill*
We’re excited to switch things up and try Naf Naf Grill for our catered lunch during the in-person conference on October 3, 2025.
Lunch will be served buffet style, featuring flavorful Middle Eastern dishes designed to accommodate a variety of dietary needs. Our menu will include options that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, so there is no need to submit a special meal request for those dietary preferences.
To review nutrition and allergen details, please visit:
👉 https://www.nafnafgrill.com/nutritional-information/
*Please note: While this is our planned menu, meal options may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing a delicious and inclusive lunch experience with you!
Register Early and Save!
Get the best deal with our Conference Bundle during the Early Bird period: May 3–Sept 15th, 2025.
Note: CE hours are pending approval from the MN Board of Behavioral Health and the MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Approved: CE hours have been approved by MN Board of Psychology (202506.422).
2 Comments
Rachel
Part 1 training for the 6 CE credits, will they cover the ethics or cultural competence requirement?
Rindie Eagle
Ethical/Supervision/Cultural Competency Hours
Day 1: Cultural Competency – 3.5
Day 2: Ethics – 3; Supervision – 3; Cultural Competency – 1.5