Developmental theories are often based on age-related stages or milestones, which signify significant changes in physical, cognitive, behavioral and social aspects over the course of human life. One of the most well-known theories of development concerns Sigmund Freud's stages of psychosexual development. Freud, like others after him, theorized that early childhood experiences play an important role in personality development. Although contemporary theories of development include adolescence, middle adulthood, and late adulthood, theories that focus early on childhood development make this approach particularly useful when working with children. Erick Erickson created his theory of psychosocial stages of development based on his interpretation of Freud's psychosexual stages. , and with additional aspects of social development. Erickson describes nine stages, related to age, in which a person faces conflicts that could have positive or negative consequences. Successful development through a particular stage helps the person develop ego strength (skill) in that area of ​​life. Assuming that all stages of development can be successfully completed provides a framework of normal development that psychologists can use to “understand and intervene with clients whose development is not proceeding according to normal expectations” (Rubin, 2001, p. 226). milestones typically occur with significant age-related events, presenting the individual with a conflict or question that needs to be answered. For example, the first stage (birth to age two) presents a crisis of trust versus distrust coinciding with the significant feeding event. At this stage, a child develops a sense of competence (or lack of competence) in relation to his or her ability to trust others. In the middle of the article...... second stage of development of n, autonomy against shame and doubt. References Fussell, M. (20011, June 20). Stages of artistic development. Retrieved from http://thevirtualinstructor.com/blog/the-stages-of-artistic-developmentHinz, L.D. (2009). Continuum of expressive therapies: a framework for the use of art in therapy. New York: Routledge. Junge, M.B. (2010). The modern history of art therapy in the United States. Springfield, IL: Charles C Thomas Publisher, LTD. Kottler, J.A. and Montgomery, M.J. (2011). Theories of counseling and therapy: an experiential approach. (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE publications, INC. Moon, CH (2010). Materials and media in art therapy: critical understandings of diverse artistic vocabularies. New York: Routledge. Rubin, J. A. (2001). Approaches to art therapy: theory and technique. (2nd ed.). New York: Routledge.