Ages and Stages: Working with Developmental Stages in Therapy
Nurturing growth through better understanding the process of development across the lifespan.
3 min read
Human development is a lifelong process that involves physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. These changes occur in distinct stages, from infancy and childhood through adolescence, adulthood, and later life. When working with clients in therapy or counseling, it's essential for therapists to consider the client's current developmental stage. Understanding where a client is in their life journey can help the therapist tailor their approach to the client's unique needs and challenges. The primary goal of therapy within this framework is to nurture the client's growth and development. This may involve addressing issues related to identity, self-esteem, relationships, and personal development within the context of the client's current developmental stage.
In the realm of psychology, two prominent theorists, Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, have provided valuable insights into human development. Their theories encompass different aspects of growth and emphasize the importance of understanding the ages and stages individuals pass through. While their work primarily focuses on cognitive and psychosocial development, it’s useful to explore how these concepts intertwine with somatic therapy.
Jean Piaget, a renowned Swiss psychologist, proposed a cognitive development theory that centers on how children construct knowledge and understanding of the world. According to Piaget, cognitive development progresses through a series of distinct stages:
Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to 2 years): During this stage, infants explore the world through their senses and motor actions. They develop object permanence and the ability to coordinate sensory experiences with physical actions.
Preoperational Stage (2 to 7 years): Children in this stage engage in pretend play and develop language skills. However, their thinking remains egocentric, and they struggle with logical reasoning and conservation.
Concrete Operational Stage (7 to 11 years): At this point, children gain the ability to think logically about concrete objects and events. They become more proficient at problem-solving and understanding the perspectives of others.
Formal Operational Stage (11 years and beyond): During adolescence and adulthood, individuals reach the formal operational stage, where they develop abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and metacognition.
In somatic therapy, it is widely understood that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, shares Seraphina Mallon-Breimann, a psychotherapist at Downtown Somatic Therapy. Knowing that you’re working somatically with a trauma or experience that is rooted in a specific developmental moment can be helpful. Here’s a bit about how somatic therapy and Piaget’s stages can interact:
Sensorimotor Stage: Infants and toddlers in this stage primarily communicate through non-verbal cues. Somatic therapists may focus on somatic awareness, body sensations, and simple movements to establish a foundation for therapy.
Preoperational Stage: Children in this stage are highly imaginative, making use of symbolic play. Somatic therapists can incorporate expressive modalities, such as art, movement, and storytelling, to engage with the child's inner world.
Concrete Operational Stage: During this stage, children are more capable of logical thinking and empathetic understanding. Somatic therapists might employ techniques that encourage exploration, self-expression, and reflection on bodily sensations and emotions.
Formal Operational Stage: Adolescents and adults in this stage possess advanced cognitive abilities. Somatic therapists can engage in dialogue and incorporate somatic practices that align with their clients' abstract thinking capacities, such as mindfulness, breathwork, or body-centered inquiry.
“Knowing that you’re working somatically with a trauma or experience that is rooted in a specific developmental moment can be beneficial for client and clinician.”
Erik Erikson, a German-American psychologist, formulated a psychosocial development theory that focuses on the interaction between individuals and their social environment. He identified eight stages of development, each characterized by a unique psychosocial conflict:
Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy): Developing a sense of trust in the world and others.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood): Fostering independence and self-control while overcoming feelings of shame and doubt.
Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool Age): Experiencing purpose and developing a sense of responsibility.
Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age): Acquiring new skills and competence while avoiding feelings of inadequacy.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence): Establishing a sense of self and personal identity.
Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood): Cultivating meaningful relationships and connections.
Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood): Contributing to society and guiding future generations.
Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood): Reflecting on life's accomplishments and finding a sense of fulfillment.
“Understanding Piaget and Erikson's ages and stages of development provides a valuable framework for somatic therapists. By incorporating these theories into their practice, therapists can tailor interventions to suit their clients' cognitive and psychosocial needs.”
Somatic therapists can integrate Erikson's stages into their practice, considering how psychosocial development impacts an individual's mind-body connection. For instance:
Trust vs. Mistrust: Clients who struggle with trust issues may benefit from somatic interventions that build a sense of safety, such as grounding exercises, relaxation techniques, and boundary work.
Identity vs. Role Confusion: Adolescents exploring their identity can explore somatic practices that promote self-discovery, self-expression, and body acceptance, supporting their journey of self-actualization.
Generativity vs. Stagnation: Somatic therapy can help individuals in middle adulthood explore their sense of purpose, reconnect with their passions, and find avenues for creative expression.
Understanding Piaget and Erikson's ages and stages of development provides a valuable framework for somatic therapists. By incorporating these theories into their practice, therapists can tailor interventions to suit their clients' cognitive and psychosocial needs. The integration of somatic approaches within each stage can promote holistic healing, helping individuals foster self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being on their unique path of growth and transformation.