Conference Reviews

Wes Wingett Delivers Wealth of Information

 By Ethel F. Quiring and Dr. Hugh Savage

On September 14, 15, and 16, 2006, the SAS Continuing Education Committee was privileged to have Dr. Wes Wingett of Norfolk, Nebraska present three workshops on topics of interest to people who are involved in various applications of Adlerian understandings. Each workshop was independent of the others but some common understandings ran throughout.

 A total of 25 people benefited from one or more of them and average attendance on each day was 21 participants. All three days were held at Queen’s House of Retreats, a facility which was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.

 Thursday’s session on the topic Counselling/Therapy Adlerian Style was devoted to understanding life style, the use of Socratic questioning, and therapeutic empowerment. These were approaches that Adler himself used in his therapy. Participants were given explanations, saw the methods demonstrated, and were given opportunity to put these methods to use.

 Friday’s session on A Strength-Based Approach helped participants identify personal strengths, assets, and resources in themselves and in others as a way to encourage and enhance activities on the useful side of life.

 The Saturday workshop entitled Empowerment Circles introduced participants to an Adlerian group process that focused on a structured way to empower self and others through equality, empathy, education, and encouragement.

 The writers thoroughly enjoyed the time with Wes and marveled at his memory. His presentations were great examples of how to present Adlerian understandings in the contemporary setting.

Teddy Page said that it gave clarity and showed that Adlerian thought is going strong out there. She stated that Adlerian thought isn’t given the credit it deserves but it is strong and “Wes verified that for me.”

 Abby Johnson stated that Wes gave a wealth of information and helped people interact effectively in groups. She commented on how the workshop had reinforced for her the importance of interacting with people “out of respect for self and others” and “in a loving manner.” Words and phrases that came to her mind as she thought about the workshop were “accept, respect, understand, get past the judging, plant a seed, take ownership, and empowerment.”