Alfred Adler (1870-1937), although an early associate of Freud and Jung, had a very different psychological perspective, and soon broke away. Adler believed that it was a mistake to talk about parts of the psyche, and believed instead that you cannot break the individual down into separate parts, and therefore the name "Individual Psychology." I often describe Adlerian psychology as a cognitive approach with a major focus on how society and groups influence individual behavior. One of the principles that has most influenced my own thinking is the idea that behavior is goal directed, and so all behavior has a purpose. I was introduced to Adlerian Psychology by my dissertation chair, mentor, and friend at the University of Texas, Guy Manaster. As a result of his influence, I began in the late 1970's attending meetings of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP). While on the faculty at Wichita State University I traveled to Kansas City to take three weekend courses with Bob Powers and Jane Griffith, two noted and outstanding Adlerians. Several years ago I was elected a director of the Theory, Research, and Teaching Section of the NSAP. In that capacity I have coordinated the Poster Sessions for the annual conference, and helped to start our monthly TapTalks, a discussion group conducted by conference call. In 2006 I was appointed the first chair of the NASAP Ethics Committee. This past summer at the convention I was awarded the Diplomate in Adlerian Psychology by NASAP.