Integral Life | Illuminating Our Stage Structures @IntegralNaked | Uploaded May 2022 | Updated October 2024, 7 hours ago.
Sometimes in our psychological development the way forward requires us to go back, to re-explore earlier stages of life to see what is distorted or left unintegrated.
This is the theme of the work of my guest today, developmental psychotherapist Kim Barta. He discusses his approach to personal growth, which is based on the STAGES Model of Development created by well-known developmental theorist Terri O’Fallon (who is also Kim’s sister.). Using psychotherapeutic practices, shadow work and meditation, Kim has devised a comprehensive system of self-exploration with stopovers at every stage of development, designed to bring the gifts and powers of that stage online.
Shoring up our developmental scaffolding in this way makes us able – and worthy – to grow into the higher stages of integral consciousness, which Kim and the STAGES model also beautifully illuminate. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kim Barta!
Sometimes in our psychological development the way forward requires us to go back, to re-explore earlier stages of life to see what is distorted or left unintegrated.
This is the theme of the work of my guest today, developmental psychotherapist Kim Barta. He discusses his approach to personal growth, which is based on the STAGES Model of Development created by well-known developmental theorist Terri O’Fallon (who is also Kim’s sister.). Using psychotherapeutic practices, shadow work and meditation, Kim has devised a comprehensive system of self-exploration with stopovers at every stage of development, designed to bring the gifts and powers of that stage online.
Shoring up our developmental scaffolding in this way makes us able – and worthy – to grow into the higher stages of integral consciousness, which Kim and the STAGES model also beautifully illuminate. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kim Barta!
![Sexual Healing: A Beginners Guide to Integral Sex Therapy [HIGHLIGHTS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eOEM60sCKr8/hqdefault.jpg "Sexual Healing: A Beginners Guide to Integral Sex Therapy [HIGHLIGHTS]
Dr. Keith Witt and Corey deVos dive into the intricate world of integrally informed sex therapy—a comprehensive approach designed to address the unique complexities of modern relationships. Dr. Witt presents integrally informed sex therapy as a meta-sex therapy, a method that integrates romantic, scientific, and spiritual approaches, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of each individual or couple. This innovative therapy moves beyond the limitations of traditional sex therapy by recognizing the multifaceted dynamics within every relationship and crafting a personalized therapeutic journey.
The discussion kicks off with an exploration of how sexual interactions occupy only a small fraction of our waking hours, yet the love affair between partners is a continuous process. Dr. Witt emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining emotional intimacy and connection outside of physical encounters, as these elements are vital for sustaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
Corey deVos deepens the conversation by applying his 8 Horizons model of relationships to explore the various types of complexity that couples face. This model provides a framework for understanding how different aspects of a relationship—ranging from individual psychological states to shared cultural narratives—interact and influence the overall dynamic. Corey highlights that each relationship is a unique organism, composed of different stages, capacities, traumas, and attachment styles, and that navigating these layers is essential for a successful partnership.
Dr. Witt also reflects on the evolution of sex therapy, noting its relatively recent development as a field and its growth into a discipline that now includes a variety of approaches. Integrally informed sex therapy synthesizes these methods, offering a comprehensive and adaptive framework that evolves with the changing dynamics of each relationship.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Witt and Corey discuss practical strategies for enhancing sexual and emotional intimacy, such as the importance of emotional attunement, the impact of cultural narratives on sexual identity, and the role of mindfulness in improving sexual experiences. They emphasize that a thriving relationship is one where both partners are committed to mutual growth and development, constantly attuning to each other’s needs and evolving together.
This episode offers valuable insights for therapists, couples, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of sexual intimacy and relationship dynamics. By integrating various therapeutic approaches and utilizing models like Corey’s 8 Horizons, integrally informed sex therapy provides a powerful tool for creating and sustaining healthy, fulfilling relationships.")
