Life cycle and Crisis

"The life cycle is a sequence of stages, each of which brings its own specific crises, which are not accidental, but regular to the development of the individual and the system." - Milan School

Every family or couple living in a committed relationship naturally goes through stages that are similar for all couples, but the way in which these stages are navigated is different for each of them. For example, after the initial romantic and passionate phase, there is usually a cooling-off and distancing period, which is not experienced in the same way by both partners and can be felt as a threat, insecurity, pain, or offense. The birth of a child also represents a major challenge for any couple, as they must significantly reorganize their time and priorities. The following crisis stages are associated with the transition from infancy to school age, then to adolescence, high school, and university, eventually leading to the child leaving the family home. This 'empty nest' phase challenges the couple to find new meaning, priorities, and shared projects.

Most families who come to therapy fear that they are among the few experiencing such difficulties, but the truth is that they are not the exception—they are among the few who choose to take action, and that deserves respect! Crises are widespread, but families who make an effort to overcome them with professional help are still rare. Unfortunately, many couples engage in exhausting emotional battles or simply fall apart. In the future, we may see more and more couples who, instead of separating under the influence of strong emotions, will choose to reevaluate and reconsider their relationship with the support of a third, neutral party—namely, a family therapist.