Our resources for supporting human evolution are anchored in developmental psychology and described in our Developmental Systems Theory (DST). DST examines the role that early childhood experiences play in either advancing or blocking human development. DST consists of a four-stage developmental model through which all human systems and humanity must go in order to evolve as a species.
DST, which emerged out of our own research in developmental psychology and that of other developmental psychologists, begins by identifying the essential developmental processes that are necessary for the optimal development of an individual. Relational experiences during the first three years of life create a template or foundation for all subsequent individual, couple and family development. Ultimately, these early relational experiences drive the evolution of all human systems, including the human race.
Two Tracks of Evolution
Our theoretical model, Developmental Systems Theory, maps human evolution on two tracks. The first us an Optimal Track that people follow if they are able to receive and then give unconditional love. This optimal track is an “ideal,” as only a few people have lived this path.
The second is the Trauma Track, which shows the impact of early trauma on individuals, couples, families, communities and organizations, nation-states and the human species. We emphasize how unresolved developmental shock, trauma and stress not only interfere with people’s ability to give and receive unconditional love, but also stall human evolution. We have focused much of our almost 35 years of research in this area, creating our own clinical modality, Heart Field Therapy, to help people become whole again.
Because most people really don’t have personal experiences of optimal human development, shocking, traumatic, and stressful early childhood events have become accepted as part of the “human condition.” This twisted belief conceals the actual impact of unrecognized and unhealed developmental shock, trauma, and stress on the evolution of humanity as a species.
We believe that it is time to create a collective vision of what is humanly possible: the Possible Human. Only then can we identify and remedy what interferes with achieving this ideal.
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