People change over time, and no past history sets the future in stone. Developmental scholars divide life into different age-based segments known as growth stages (Berger, 2009). Each phase influences the others causing the development of each phase to build on the other (Berger, 2009). Development does not follow a straight line, but moves up and down, forward and backward, and moves at different speeds (Berger, 2009). While there are several developmental theories, and it would be remiss to subscribe to only one; however, for the purposes of this article, I will focus on Erik Erikson's theory of initiative and blame; Industry versus inferiority; and Identity versus Role Confusion. I also prefer to take an eclectic approach in applying counseling theories and techniques; however, for the purposes of this article, I will use three different therapies for each stage of development. Early childhood is marked by a period in children's lives when they develop "a confident self-image, more effective control over their emotions, new social skills, the foundations of morality, and a clear sense of themselves as a boy or girl." (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011, p. 45). According to Erik Erikson, early childhood is a period of “vigorous development,” in which children have a sense of autonomy and a new sense of purpose or initiative (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011, p. 45). Play is a means through which children learn about themselves and begin to adopt the moral and gender standards of the society in which they live (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011) . A negative early childhood outcome is the guilt children feel due to excessive punishment and criticism from the adults in their lives (Berk, Kauffman & Landrum, 2011)..... middle of paper ...... on the path she has chosen for herself. Additionally, Samantha has understood the importance of not letting what others want take over or overshadow what she wants for herself. Even though our time together has come to an end for now, I remind Samantha that I'm always here for her if she needs me. References Applied Child and Adolescent Development: CED 600 Custom Edition for National University, (2011): Pearson Publishing: Taken from Development Through the Lifespan, fifth edition by Laura E. Berk and Characteristics of Emotional Disorders in Children and Youth, ninth edition by James M. Kauffman and Timothey J. Landrum. Berger, K. S. (2009). The developing person through childhood and adolescence (8th ed.). New York: Worth Publishers. Corey, C. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.