Developmental Systems Theory (DST) forms the foundation of our model. DST applies our four-stage model of individual development to six levels of human systems, and divides these systems into “micro” and “macro.” The micro systems are individuals, couples, and families, and the macro systems are organization, nation-states, and the human species. You can view a chart showing our whole DST model by opening this document: DST charts2
Each of the four stages in our Developmental Systems model contains essential developmental processes that must be completed in order for an individual, couple, family, group, organization, community/culture or nation-state to evolve. The codependent stage is the most critical in our model. During this stage, it is important that children are able to complete the essential developmental processes in a timely and appropriate manner in a healthy, heartful family environment. This is what helps them move forward in their development. Unconditional love given in an emotionally supportive environment put children on a solid track of development that we call LOVEvolution.
DST postulates that all humans–micro and macro–evolve through four stages of development: codependent, counter-dependent, independent and interdependent stages. When the members of a system are able to complete the “essential developmental processes” of each stage, they are able to live from their True Self and create a more authentic life. We recognized the mythic nature of this process–that completing developmental tasks of these four stages were really a “journey” leading to a more authentic life. For this reason, we have organized this website around the “journey” theme, with the hope that you will find it helpful in directing your own life.
Our first area of research focused on creating our four-stage model of optimal individual development–the Possible Human. Then we studied trauma and identified developmental trauma as the primary cause of delayed development. From this, we created our Trauma Track of Evolution, which identifies Attachment Trauma and Separation Trauma as the two categories of developmental trauma.
Then we applied our four-stage individual model of development to couple and family systems. This became the foundation for mapping the evolution of the optimal and trauma-impacted micro systems. Eventually we applied our developmental model to larger macro systems: organizations, communities and cultures, nation-states and the history of humanity.
The key factor the evolution of all systems is the degree to which members are able to give and receive unconditional love. The key factor that impeded a system’s evolution was the long-term impact of unhealed developmental trauma and the unresolved conflicts associated with them that cause people to close their hearts and disconnect from others.
We recognized that healing developmental trauma and resolving conflicts requires unconditional love and/or Heart Field Therapy. This healing process is a “transformational journey” from an “incoherent” False Life and False Self to living coherently and authentically from the True Self.