Whereas the systemic relational model has always been considered deficient with respect to a theory of development, the Authors examine part of the contributions of the Infant Research, and in particular those of Louis Sander and Daniel Stern, to highlight the consistency between the systemic concepts applied in the evolution field and the relational model systemic. Starting with the centrality of the relationship and the importance of an intersubjective matrix for the development of the individual, the fundamental processes of adaptation that allow the survival of the child and the organization of the mind in interaction with the caregiver is hereby examined. In particular, the three principles of salience, that govern the formation of expectations on how the relationship and building adaptive strategies are hereby described: waiting regulation, rupture and repair, intense emotional moments. Finally, it is proposed the analysis of the isomorphism between the development process and the therapeutic process as a fundamental study to increase understanding and effectiveness of therapeutic work.
Keywords: Intersubjective matrix, development theory, systems theory.