From Inferiority to Belonging

An Adlerian Framework for Understanding Mental Health

About the course:

What if our struggles aren't signs of brokenness, but natural responses to feeling inferior? This workshop reframes mental health through Alfred Adler's powerful insight that our deepest need is for belonging and significance. You'll discover how inferiority feelings lie at the root of so many mental health struggles; from anxiety and depression to relationship difficulties and self-doubt. You'll learn how the solution isn't found in SELF-help alone, but in reconnecting with others and finding our place in the world. Walk away with a framework that moves beyond individual fixes toward genuine belonging and social connection.

About the speaker:

Judy Potts is an Adlerian Therapist and a speaker and trainer based in Oxfordshire.

Judy has always been fascinated by people - what influences us, what holds us back, and why we do the things we do. That curiosity led her to study Social Psychology and then into 12 years working in the charity sector, where she supported teenagers, refugees, and people navigating poverty and addiction. She worked in both frontline helping roles and leadership positions.

​However, in 2011, she hit a wall. Work burnout led to depression, and when it kept coming back, she felt helpless. She tried lots of different things but nothing seemed to stick, until she came across Adlerian therapy. It really was life changing. Not just in managing symptoms, but in truly understanding herself: the beliefs she'd been carrying, the patterns she'd been repeating, and the ways she'd been trying to prove her worth without even realising it. Getting that insight didn't just help her cope - it changed how she lived. And that's what inspired her to train in the Adlerian approach and help others.

​​Social justice has always been close to her heart. She believes the mental health crisis in the UK isn't just about individual struggles, it's deeply tied to inequality, isolation, and our fundamental need to belong. ​​

Practicalities:

Breaks - There will be one short refreshments break and a lunch break. Free tea & coffee will be available on site, and there are a number of shops and cafes locally that delegates may wish to use during lunch.

Parking - Limited free parking is available on site on a first come first served basis. There are a number of pay as you go car parks locally. The closest is on Prospect Place (51 Prospect Place, SN1 3LJ) 1 minute walk away.

Train/Bus - Willows Training is accessible by local bus routes. The main Swindon bus and rail stations are approx 20 minutes walk away.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop has been designed as a source of Continued Professional Development (CPD) for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, other mental health professionals, and students undertaking counsellor/psychotherapy training. It may also be helpful for anyone working in a caring, helping or pastoral profession, including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers and Social Workers.

About Willows Counselling and Training Service

Willows is a registered charity offering Counselling and Counsellor Training in Swindon, Wiltshire. With more than 30 years' experience, Willows is well established in both knowledge and reputation in the local area and beyond.

Willows offers the full suite of qualifying courses for counsellors: CPCAB Levels 2, 3 and Level 4 Diploma. For qualified therapists, they run a Post-Qualifying Diploma in Trauma (Level 6 equivalent), an NCPS Advanced Specialist course, as well as a programme of one-day CPD workshops and training conferences.

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