ASK KT Vi

with Karlton Terry

Recapitulation in the context of Pre- and Perinatal Therapy is a process whereby a person repeats behaviours or gestures, often unconsciously. This is their psyche’s (and body’s) way of acting out gestures which were scripted by an early trauma. The psyche wants to address unresolved issues by replaying behaviours or gestures that were imprinted during traumatic situations.

Besides direct and avoidant recapitulation, there are other recapitulation styles which can be observed in an individual’s repeated behaviour. Once these are recognised and named, their message can be integrated and the client escapes the clutches of hostage-taking neuro-networks that were imprinted.

In this class, Karlton will shed light on a number of prominent types of recapitulation and show how they can be detected in both children and adults. He will explain questions you can ask to elicit precious information about these patterns which have become encoded in the brain, mind, body, and psyche.

Join us and learn how perinatal coping and survival strategies can live on, but also how we can help clients to move beyond the useless or inhibitory ones to eventually leave them behind.

Recapitulation:
The process of repeating behaviours or patterns, often unconsciously, to address unresolved issues or to replay scenarios for better understanding.

Ontogeny:
The development of an organism or individual growth, referring to personal evolution and maturation.
Phenotype: Observable behaviour or expression that others can notice and reflect back, often shaped by early experiences.

Groundhog Day Analogy:
Using the movie "Groundhog Day" to illustrate the concept of recapitulation and the process of learning and healing through repeated experiences.

Compression Phase of Birth:
The initial stage of birth where the world closes in, characterized by pressure and the need to push forward.

Direct Recapitulation:
Repeating behaviours that were successful in earlier stages of life, often as a coping mechanism.

Avoidant Recapitulation:
Avoiding behaviours or situations that were harmful or unsuccessful in the past to prevent recurrence of pain or failure.

Superciliary Archway Depression (SAD):
A physical indentation on the forehead resulting from compression during birth, indicative of birth trauma.

Retroflective Identification with the Perpetrator: Reenacting harmful behaviours on oneself that were initially inflicted by others.

Epidural-Induced Relational Trauma:
The impact of maternal epidural use during birth on the child's ability to form intimate relationships due to perceived abandonment during pain.

Recapitulation in Relationships:
How early traumas, such as those experienced during birth, can influence adult behaviours and relationships, often leading to avoidance or repetition of harmful patterns.

Birth Trauma and behaviour:
The connection between birth experiences (e.g., compression, rotation, finishing birth) and lifelong behavioural patterns.

Ask KT Vi

Mentorship Group Series

Entry Level/Intermediary
Power Point Presentation
Practical application
To support yourself and your client
90 minute class
life time access

Learning outcomes

Gain an understanding of the concept of recapitulation within pre- and perinatal psychology
Get an idea of the distinction of different recapitulation styles

who can this benefit

Practitioners who would like support in their own work with clients
Practitioners who would like to deepen their own personal journey
Parents who would like to deepen their awareness of pre and perinatal understanding