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Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development can be used by mental health professionals when treating patients facing periods of adjustment or life-changing events. When taken in the appropriate context of social and cultural factors, it can be a means for the patient to augment awareness and understanding of themselves. While many stages focus on periods early in life, it can serve as a conceptual and possibly actionable guide for those later in life as well.[15] This can be a lens for contemporary clinicians to view how identity has and continues to form, even outside of the child psychiatric practice forum.[16] For example, in the sudden onset of loss of independence in a patient, with subsequent feelings of inertia (social or productive paralysis), examining ways to rebuild a sense of competence, such as through small, achievable "wins," is a strategy based on stage IV (industry vs inferiority). Developmental stages continue to be an active focus of research, with Erickson's developmental maturity in mid-life studied alongside global cognitive and executive functions, as well as emotional health.[17] This research may also serve as a basis for helping psychotherapists recognize their character qualities and their impact on the therapeutic process. [18] This research was supported (in whole or in part) by Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Healthcare and/or an HCA Healthcare-affiliated entity. The views expressed in this publication represent those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of HCA Healthcare or any of its affiliated entities.