Lynn University professor included in renowned psychology book

Lynn University Associate Professor Jonathan Sperry, an instructor in Lynn’s clinical mental health counseling program, was named as a significant contributor in the 11th edition of the renowned Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy book by Dr. Gerald Corey. Sperry, an expert on Adlerian theory, is listed in the book among some of the greatest names in psychology, including Freud, Jung, Skinner, Bandura, Rogers and more.

The publication introduces students to major psychology theories and how they can be applied. For the past 40 years, Corey’s books have been used in group counseling and theories courses in counseling, social work, psychology and psychiatry programs worldwide. The book and its teachings are also used by students and faculty at Lynn.

“Being on the list of Adlerian theory contributors in Dr. Corey’s book is an honor,” said Sperry. “The fact that we teach with the book at Lynn brings this full circle.” 

Adlerian theory is named after Alfred Adler, an authoritative figure in the history of psychology. Coming up in the ranks at the same time as Sigmund Freud, Adler is known for the psychological theory of Individual Psychology. The theory considers lifestyle, social connection, uniqueness and personality structure to better understand each person. 

Adler theorized that individuals are motivated by social relationships and are constantly striving for superiority and belonging. According to Adler, the overarching goal of his theory is to help individuals live as their true and whole self. 

Sperry was introduced to Adler’s theory by his father, Dr. Len Sperry—a former psychiatry professor. In 2006, Dr. Len Sperry, an Adlerian theory practitioner and researcher, took his son to an Adlerian Psychology conference. There, Sperry was drawn to the theory and practice of Alfred Adler’s approach. At the time, Sperry was in college majoring in communications. Seeing his father’s work and meeting other counselors changed his world.

“I think my dad could tell that the communications industry wasn’t my calling,” said Sperry. “At the conference, I remember thinking, ‘now this is a profession I can see myself in’.” “I saw the magic in Adlerian theory and wanted to learn it and practice it.” And just like that, Sperry changed his major and began studying in social work and eventually received a doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling. 

Throughout his career, Sperry has made a mark in the world of psychology through various speaking engagements and books. He is on the International Committee for Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes and regularly takes Lynn University students abroad to learn about psychology and other cultures. Since 2016, he has led five abroad programs and visited Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovakia. As the past president of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology and co-editor of the Journal of Individual Psychology, he regularly presents his research findings at conferences around the world.

In 2020, Sperry was awarded the Kathleen Cheek-Milby Endowed Faculty Fellowship Sabbatical. He traveled to 20 different countries, where he presented his research examining trauma-informed practices of therapists around the globe. His research highlights the lack of trauma-informed training that mental health professionals from 24 different countries reported. Last year, he published the book he wrote with his father, Core clinical competencies in counseling and psychotherapy: Becoming a highly competent and effective therapist (second edition). In September, he will be publishing a book titled, Psychopathology and Psychotherapy (fourth edition). 

Today, Sperry inspires his students to be connected with each other and the world. He advises students on their theses and dissertations, and focuses on teaching, research, writing and conference presentations. He spent over 15 years researching, publishing, and presenting on the theory and practice of Adlerian Psychology. His book Case conceptualization: Mastering this competency with ease and confidence is the cornerstone of Lynn’s clinical mental health counseling program and it has been translated in three different languages.

In the clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program, students are brought into an environment of encouragement and support where perfection is not the goal. Throughout the program, Sperry encourages role-play counseling encounters and brings both his personal and professional experience. In the program, he teaches Adlerian theory to his students in interesting ways. He makes the classroom come alive by having classmates talk to each other about birth order and their personalities, key concepts in Adlerian Theory. He also leads drum circles, which are known for their therapeutic benefits, and students are given the opportunity to participate in those drumming sessions.

Students enrolled in their second year of the CMHC program also receive placement with their practicum. Since the program received accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), students can work with local organizations to gain experience in the field of clinical mental health counseling. They work with a clinical supervisor both on campus and at the local counseling organization. 

For alumna Heather Gawad ’23, being part of the clinical mental health counseling program was her best decision. She was the recipient of the Quell Foundation’s scholarship specifically for students in the CMHC program. The scholarship, awarded to four deserving students each year, is made possible by alumnus Kevin Lynch ’11, founder and CEO of the Quell Foundation. At the time, Gawad was supporting her mother financially, and the scholarship was a gamechanger for her academic goals. 

“I felt extremely grateful that I was awarded the scholarship, and it happened at the right time.” said Gawad. “It helped me financially, and I was even able to study abroad the last two years of the program.” 

Gawad found the small class cohort and her professors, especially Sperry, inspiring to work with. She started as an online student but fell in love with the structure of Lynn’s classes and decided to come to campus regularly to meet with her cohort and with professors. Gawad enjoyed the curriculum, which taught her how to interact with clients, different therapeutic approaches, different diagnoses and how to work with clients from different backgrounds. Sperry’s way of teaching and what she learned was an inspiration for Gawad. 

“Seeing Dr. Sperry making a difference is incredible,” said Gawad. “He helped me and many other therapists become who we are today.” 

Gawad graduated from Lynn in 2023 and began her career as a primary therapist for Lighthouse Recovery in West Palm Beach. Want to know more? Discover our clinical mental health counseling program.