22. Understanding and Supporting the Industry vs. Inferiority Stage in Therapy

Connection Therapy

In today’s episode, Brenda takes listeners into the 4th stage of Erikson’s model—Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage, typically between the ages of 6 and 11, is all about children figuring out their abilities and learning to feel competent. Brenda highlights how, during this stage, kids start putting in a lot of effort, but they’re also grappling with the reality that they can’t always be the best, even when they've tried their hardest.

As mental health therapists, it’s essential to understand the internal conflict that children in this stage often face. They’re trying to balance their efforts with self-doubt, and that can feel overwhelming. Kids also begin to care deeply about peer relationships during this time, which can heighten their sensitivity to how others perceive them.

Brenda shares how this stage often looks quieter in therapy. There might not be noticeable progress at first glance, but there’s a lot happening beneath the surface. Kids are exploring their self-worth through play, their effort, and their interactions. As therapists, our role is to stay curious about their internal world and validate their experiences. It’s about guiding them to recognize that their value isn’t just in being the best, but in the effort they put into what they do.

Brenda also touches on the challenges of unstructured time, like winter breaks. For some children, the lack of routine during these times can be unsettling and impact their emotional regulation. As therapists, it’s important to help create structure during these breaks and to help children understand and manage these shifts.

In this episode, Brenda offers valuable insight into how we, as mental health therapists, can support children in this sensitive stage. By being attuned to their emotional needs and validating their efforts, we can help them navigate this phase with resilience and confidence.

Connect with Brenda with the link below:

www.connectiontherapypodcast.com

Follow Brenda on Instagram @theconnectiontherapypodcast

References:

Anna Freud. (1946). The Psycho-Analytical Treatment of Children. New York, NY: International Univ. Press.

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development referenced in Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Mitchell & Black (1995)