Brenda introduces Erikson’s second stage of development, Autonomy vs. Shame, and highlights the importance of supporting a child’s growing sense of independence. Occurring between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, this stage is a pivotal time when toddlers begin to explore their abilities and assert their own choices.

At this stage, children are just beginning to understand that they are separate from the people around them. This newfound awareness can lead to a desire for autonomy, but it can also bring feelings of shame and doubt when they face challenges or are met with disapproval. Supporting a child at this stage requires a close relationship with the caregivers to ensure the child feels both supported and empowered.

Brenda gives a closer look into what therapy looks like during this stage but also gives excellent guidance on communicating during this stage. One crucial element during Stage 2 is rapprochement, which refers to the back-and-forth dynamic between a child and their caregiver. This term describes a child's growing awareness of their independence and their need to return to the caregiver for reassurance.

Even if you’re not working with toddlers or preschoolers, understanding the struggles of autonomy vs. shame is important. Issues that arise in Stage 2 can echo into later stages of life. Understanding the potential long-term effects of early developmental challenges can be valuable for therapists working with children, teens, and adults.

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References Mentioned in this Episode:

Anna Freud. (1946). The Psycho-Analytical Treatment of Children. New York, NY: International Univ. Press.

Margaret Mahler’s Rapprochement in referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)

In today’s episode, Brenda introduces Erikson’s first stage of development, Trust vs. Mistrust, and explores how to understand a child’s world beyond direct questions. This foundational stage, typically ranging from 0-18 months old, lays the groundwork for their entire emotional and cognitive development, making it essential to tune into behaviors and subtle cues rather than relying on verbal answers alone.

In Erikson’s model, the first stage of development — Trust vs. Mistrust — is all about creating a safe and dependable environment for a child. When children sense that their caregivers and surroundings are trustworthy, they begin to feel secure and more willing to explore, learn, and engage with others.

For caregivers and therapists, understanding Trust vs. Mistrust in children involves careful observation and assessment, focusing on subtle behaviors that reveal the child’s level of comfort, attachment, and sense of security.

Erikson’s model provides a framework for understanding child development that’s rooted in the idea of stages — each of which builds on the previous one. In the case of Trust vs. Mistrust, establishing trust is essential for all future growth.

The model isn’t about specific therapeutic interventions, but rather a guide for observing developmental milestones and assessing whether a child is experiencing the security needed to reach them.

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Lou Cozolino. (2024, 4th ed). The Neuroscience of Psychotherapy: Healing the Social Brain (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology).

Anna Freud. (1946). The Psycho-Analytical Treatment of Children. New York, NY: International Univ. Press.

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)

Bessel Van der Kolk (2015). The Body Keeps the Score.

In today's episode, Brenda shares her experience working with children in therapy and how understanding child development can make therapy more effective. Measuring progress with kids can be tricky, as they often can’t express how they feel or recognize changes. What may look like simple play can actually be therapeutic when approached with the right understanding of where the child is developmentally.

Brenda takes a developmental approach, emphasizing that emotional and psychological growth in children isn’t as easily defined as physical growth. Trauma can disrupt development, so it’s crucial to observe behaviors within the context of the child’s age and experiences.

Brenda walks listeners through Erik Erikson’s eight-stage model of psychological development, explaining how these stages offer a roadmap for understanding where children should be emotionally and psychologically at different ages. By using this model, Brenda helps ensure that therapy stays aligned with a child’s needs and developmental goals, offering a framework for both parents and therapists to understand progress more clearly.

Through these models therapists can help children grow emotionally and mentally at their own pace, ensuring therapy truly supports their long-term well-being.

References Mentioned in this Episode:

Anna Freud. (1946). The Psycho-Analytical Treatment of Children. New York, NY: International Univ. Press.

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)