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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.

Neural Connections During Birth:
The brain makes a significant number of neural connections during birth, which can shape future behaviour and responses.

Trauma and Neural Connections:
Traumatic experiences during birth can create denser neural connections, influencing how individuals respond to stress and challenges later in life.

Hostage-Taking Neural Networks:
Traumatic birth experiences can create neural networks that "take hostage" an individual's responses, leading to repetitive behaviours or reactions until those are resolved.

Stage One of Birth:
Stage one of birth involves significant pressure and can lead to feelings of anger and frustration, which may manifest as a tendency to push through obstacles in life.
Direct Recapitulation:
Direct recapitulation occurs when individuals repeat behaviours or responses from their birth experience in similar situations later in life.

Avoidant Recapitulation:
Avoidant recapitulation involves avoiding situations or behaviours that triggered trauma during birth, leading to different coping mechanisms.

Birth Masks and Facial Features:
Facial features, such as superciliary archway depressions, can indicate traumatic birth experiences and can provide insights into an individual's perinatal history.

Parietal Override and Underride:
Physical features like parietal override or underride can result from the pressures experienced during birth, affecting the shape of the skull.

Posterior Presentation:
Posterior presentation during birth can lead to specific physical and emotional challenges, often resulting in a "credit card shape" on the forehead.

Case Example:
Story of a hidden second twin in breech position and the impact of not feeling seen.

Stage Two of Birth:
Stage two involves significant pressure and potential disorientation, which can lead to feelings of being lost or confused in life.

Stage Three of Birth:
Stage three can result in feelings of exhaustion and difficulty finishing tasks, as individuals may struggle with the final push needed to complete projects.

Trauma Triggers and Their Identification:
Recognising trauma triggers related to birth experiences can help individuals understand and address their reactions in various situations.

‘Quantum Web’ Understanding of Trauma Triggers:
Understanding trauma triggers in a broader context can help individuals and therapists address and heal from perinatal trauma more effectively.

Impact on Relationships:
Birth-related trauma can significantly impact relationships, influencing how individuals interact with partners, family, and friends.

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