Lenses Applying Lifespan Development Theories In Counseling __top__ -

Counselors often utilize specific established theories as diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks: Application of Developmental Theories to Counseling

| Stage (Age) | Crisis | Maladaptive Outcome | Clinical Presentation | Intervention Focus | |-------------|--------|---------------------|------------------------|---------------------| | Infancy (0-1) | Trust vs. Mistrust | Sensory distortion / Withdrawal | Adults with pervasive mistrust, unable to form therapeutic alliance | Stabilize containment, predictability, rupture-repair cycles | | Early childhood (1-3) | Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt | Impulsivity / Compulsivity | OCD traits, controlling behaviors, shame-based anxiety | Choice-giving, risk-taking in small steps, shame resilience | | Preschool (3-6) | Initiative vs. Guilt | Ruthlessness / Inhibition | Fear of trying new things, sexual/gender identity guilt | Play therapy, behavioral rehearsal, permission-giving language | | School age (6-12) | Industry vs. Inferiority | Narrow virtuosity / Inertia | Academic underachievement, social comparison distress | Skill-building, mastery experiences, reframing “failure as data” | | Adolescence (12-18) | Identity vs. Role Confusion | Fanaticism / Repudiation | Borderline features, cult-like affiliations, identity moratorium | Narrative identity work, exploration without premature commitment | | Young adult (18-35) | Intimacy vs. Isolation | Promiscuity / Exclusivity | Fear of commitment, avoidant attachment, serial relationships | Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), social rhythm work | | Middle adult (35-65) | Generativity vs. Stagnation | Overextension / Rejectivity | Midlife emptiness, workaholism, neglect of self | Legacy projects, mentoring, life review with action steps | | Late adult (65+) | Integrity vs. Despair | Presumption / Disdain | Late-life depression, regret, bitterness | Dignity therapy, reminiscence, forgiveness work | Lenses Applying Lifespan Development Theories In Counseling

: Play therapy is used for children (sensorimotor/preoperational), while abstract talk therapy suits adults (formal operational). Guilt | Ruthlessness / Inhibition | Fear of