The drive to be whole: A developmental model inspired by Paul Schilder and Lauretta Bender in support of holistic treatment strategies

Lauretta Bender and Paul Schilder, early 20th-century psychiatrists and neurologists, were pioneers in championing a holistic, body/mind approach to treatment. They understood the importance of sensory stimulation in the organizational process that is human development and the disorganization that replaces patterned growth when barriers to growth occur. Bender's drive framework encompasses the physiological, interactive, emotional, cognitive, and creative aspects of development and growth. It is used as a structure to present an overall framework for considering treatment in light of holistic alternatives including body psychotherapies and the Creative Arts.