Family C.A.R.E.: From Growth, Development to Trauma Healing

Connection / Affirmation / Respect / Equality

The 2024 TSAP Annual Conference will center on the theme of Family C.A.R.E.: From Growth and Development to Trauma Healing, with Connection, Affirmation, Respect, and Equality as its core strategies.

The conference will feature two distinguished keynote speakers: Dr. Marina Bluvshtein, President of the International Association of Adlerian Psychology (IAIP), and Professor Julia Yang, Founding Chairman of TSAP.

The event will delve into the concept of wholeness and dynamism through the lens of Adlerian theory, exploring strategies for fostering healthy societies, families, and individuals, emphasizing wellness, personal growth, and overcoming challenges.

Description of the Concept of Seminar “Family C.A.R.E.: From Growth and Development to Trauma Healing”
Over a century ago, Dr. Alfred Adler, a Viennese physician who witnessed the upheavals of World War I, introduced a theory of individual psychology that has profoundly shaped subsequent generations. He emphasized that individuals are born with an innate social feeling, which requires nurturing early in life, particularly through the proper cultivation of creativity. Adler believed that a complete individual is inseparably connected to all aspects of social life, and that their growth and development are heavily influenced by the lifestyle they establish during early childhood. Thus, to support an individual’s well-being, we must begin by supporting the family.

In the 21st century, many communities and nations worldwide remain engulfed in turmoil due to conflicts and wars. Taiwan, too, faces the dual threats of natural and human-made disasters, creating a pervasive sense of anxiety and uncertainty. The trauma and losses experienced by generations have ingrained a profound fear of survival in the collective psyche, influencing the fabric of daily life. Long-established cultural traditions and beliefs often struggle to adapt to changes in family structures and life cycles. When family harmony is disrupted and individuals become isolated from society, the pressures people face intensify, leading to physical and mental health challenges, as well as various social issues.

As pandemic restrictions lift and people regain their freedom, there is a palpable eagerness to reconnect with others and reengage with the world. While the persistent challenges of real life—such as distant wars, political instability, and economic uncertainty—remain, Adlerian psychology suggests that human nature inherently seeks transcendence in the face of suffering. From a developmental perspective, we can explore how to foster respect and equality in social life to build resilience and adaptability in individuals and families. By doing so, we can promote well-being, facilitate trauma recovery, and nurture personal growth—objectives at the core of TSAP’s mission.

Adlerian psychology is a branch of social psychology that focuses on the individual’s growth and expansion, as well as the enhancement of community and social care. Adler emphasized the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environments, famously stating, “The environment shapes the human being, and the human being shapes the environment.” From this perspective, an individual’s social embeddedness is both a gift and a challenge. Adler consistently highlighted that respect and equality foster individual cooperation and contribution, nurturing a form of community courage that facilitates connection with others and a sense of belonging.

In this spirit, TSAP 2024 has organized a series of Pre-Conference and Post-Conference workshops that resonate with the conference’s theme. We are privileged to host two prominent North American Adlerian representatives, IAIP President Dr. Marina Bluvshtein and TSAP Founding Director Prof. Rachel Yang, who will address issues of wellness, growth, and overcoming challenges in healthy societies, families, and individuals through the holistic and dynamic lens of Adlerian theory. Additionally, a book exhibition and a healing fair have been organized, complemented by two parallel workshops and master talks that blend theory and practice in the afternoon.

You are cordially invited to join us! Take action to care for our home together!

Date: March 02, 2024 (Saturday) 09:00 – 17:30