Psychosexual Development

The Journey Toward Becoming Mature Life-Givers and Lovers

Spirituality of Incarnation

“…and the Word became flesh.”

–John 1:14Logos (Word)

Sarx (Flesh)

Em-Bodiment To be incarnate at

this time and place, with our unique background.

Caro salutis est cardo The flesh is the pivot-point of salvation.

Tertullian

In-Carnation as Journey

Being in a body isn’t the same as being “incarnate”.

A demanding, disciplined process.

Embracing the human condition.

Escapes from Incarnation

Repression Flight from the

body.

Addiction Fusion with the

physical-emotional instincts.

Spirituality of Development

Our awakening is an awakening

of God and our rising is God’s rising.

--John of the Cross

Toward Mature Loving

Psychology: Growth Development Maturity Integration

Faith/Spirituality: Grace/gift On-going

Conversion Chastity (W)holiness

Chastity “A School for the gift of the

self…”--Catholic Catechism

Discipleship and Sexuality

Lay Down Your Life. “There is no greater

love than this—to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Take Up Your Life.You can’t lay your life

down, if you haven’t taken it up.

“Taking Up” Your Sexual Energy

Another way of describing psychosexual development.

The long journey toward integration

What Is Psychosexual Development?

All life unfolds. Person-in-

process. Psycho-cognitive-

emotional-spiritual-physical-social growth.

Peek-a-Boo: Metaphor for Growth in Intimacy

You can see me! Relationships are

joyful. I will be in charge of

my self-disclosure. Some day, you can

see my dreams, hopes, pain, vulnerable feelings.

Stages of Psychosexual Development

Prenatal

Childhood

Adolescence

Adulthood

Cycles of Psychosexual Development

Awakening

Exploring

Relating

Real Life Journey

Phases

Stages

Breakdowns

Challenges

Struggles

Breakthroughs

Cycles

Our Inmost Self“You created my

inmost self, knit me together in my mother’s womb. A wonder am I…”--Ps 139:13-14

Prenatal Psychosexuality

Primal rhythm of sexual response begins.

Biological influences on sexual orientation.

Strength and intensity of sexual arousal.

Toward Integration

Interiority—deepening self-awareness

Responsibility—emerging sense of agency

Creativity—developing passion and generative spirit.

Intimacy—increasing capacity for self-disclosure.

Integrated Sexuality

Compassion & Personal Warmth Tenderness & Gentleness with People Good Self-Esteem Healthy Self-Awareness Ability to Take Risks Psychic and Emotional Flexibility Body Comfort

Compartmentalized Sexuality

Judgmental Attitudes Toward Others Critical, Punitive, Secretive Subtle Lack of Genuineness Grandiosity or Low Self-Esteem Careless or Overly Cautious Superficially Charming or Aloof Rigidity (“rigid orthodoxy”).

On-Going Integration

What still hurts?

What needs healing?

Ongoing Integration How Can I

Still Grow In the Skill and Art of Intimacy?