How Therapy Works: Stages of Development Theory

Therapy is a collaborative Made by two or more people working together. process. In therapy, a person works with a psychologist A trained professional who provides treatment to people with mental health issues. Child Psychologists specialize in treating children, adolescents, and their families. Does not prescribe medications. to identify the thoughts and behaviors that create challenges in their life. Psychologists use different modalities A type or mode in which something happens, for example different types of therapy. that are based on scientific theories to guide their questions. Some approaches have been used for a long time while others are newer. 

For example, some therapists follow Dr. Erik Erikson’s stages of development theory. Dr. Erikson believed that a person’s personality is created in different stages in their life, based on age.

Here are the stages and the questions that a therapist may ask about each stage in your life:

Ages 0-18 months: Trust and Mistrust To not be confident in something.

• A baby will either develop trust or view the world as dangerous depending on their care.
• Therapist question: Do you have problems with trusting others?

Ages 1-3 years: Autonomy A form of independence, or to do things alone. and Shame A painful feeling of humiliation, similar to guilt or regret.

• During early childhood, children learn about independence and shame A painful feeling of humiliation, similar to guilt or regret. . 
• Therapist question: Do you feel as if you are independent or shy?

Ages 3-5 years: Initiative To act or take charge before others do. and Guilt

• Children develop a sense of independence if they are able to explore their environment and make decisions. If the child feels shame A painful feeling of humiliation, similar to guilt or regret. about their choices, they may develop a sense of guilt. 
• Therapist question: Do you make your own plans or do you feel guilty to do so?

Ages 6-11 years: Industry and Inferiority Being lower in status or quality than others.

• Children begin to compare themselves to others during this phase of life. They can either develop self- confidence To believe in someone or something. or feelings of inferiority Being lower in status or quality than others. .
• Therapist question: Do you feel competent You are capable of doing something. or have a sense of inferiority Being lower in status or quality than others. ? 

Ages 12-18 years: Identity and Confusion

• During these years, teens may begin to question their role in the world and their goals. 
• Therapist question: Do you feel confused about your role in the world?

Ages 18-40 years: Intimacy To be close, a feeling of closeness. and Isolation To be alone.

• The development of healthy friendships and relationships can help people feel intimacy To be close, a feeling of closeness. or isolation To be alone. . 
• Therapist question: Do you feel isolated To be alone. ? 

Ages 40-60 years: Generativity A concern for people other than yourself and your family, that usually develops during middle age. This comes from a need to care and guide younger people. and Stagnation The state of not moving.

• People can either find a sense of purpose during this stage or they may feel stagnate To stand still, the state of not moving. (or stuck). 
• Therapist question: Do you have a passion or a goal that you care about?

Ages 60+ years: Integrity Being honest, having morals. and Despair Lose, or be without hope.

• People begin to look back on their lives and feel joy or regret. 
• Therapist question: Are you happy with where you are? Do you wish you had done anything different?

Other general questions that a therapist might ask based on Dr. Erikson’s stages of development theory include:

• Did you have parents who gave you everything or nothing at all or was there a balance?
• Do you have challenges with overeating? Smoking? Drinking?
• Do you feel a need to control?
• Do you have challenges with your romantic relationships?
• Are you impulsive Acting without thinking. ? 
• Do you make realistic choices?
• Do you constantly criticize Expressing judgement, or faults. yourself?
• Can you name the people who made you who you are?
• Tell me about your childhood experiences?