The Developmental Model, provides the foundations for couples therapy and the primary way I approach relationship issues. It is a robust model which has stood the test of time, having helped many couples and individuals enrich, grow and repair their relationships.

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This model of therapy was initially created in 1984 and has been refined over the last 30 years by its founders Psychologists Dr Ellyn Bader and Dr Peter Pearson, of The Couples Institute in San Francisco. 

 

 “The Developmental Model explains normal and natural stages and struggles that growing couples encounter. The model provides a structure for couples therapy by identifying the developmental tasks, developmental stalemates, diagnosis and specific treatment interventions for each stage of development.” - Ellyn Bader

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The Developmental Model is organised around a number of intersecting bodies of theory. The theory developed by Ellyn Bader & Peter Pearson underpinning the model and gives the model its name is related to the work of Margret Mahler on child development. Drawing on their belief that couples’ relationships have the potential to evolve through a series of normal and predictable stages and when couples are not able to work through these stages it can result in them feeling stuck and result in problems. These stages parallel some of the stages of early childhood development and as a result of being able to identify the stage where a couple are stuck targeted interventions can be implemented to provide specific support for the couple. Development in adult relationships move through five predictable stages as illustrated in the Stepping Stones to Intimacy from The Couples Institute.

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The Developmental Model draws on and integrates three key areas of existing knowledge and research: Attachment Theory, Neuroscience and Differentiation.

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