Abstract
The three degrees of impasse developed by R. and M. Goulding are defined in development terms which relate to such factors as age, verbal and motor skills, discrimination, consciousness, etc. These terms integrate contributions from Primal Therapy, Reichian, and neo-Reichian approaches to the understanding of impasses. A specific locus of resolution for each degree of impasse is suggested. Several advantages are proposed for the employment of this formulation. Examples of clinical applications are included.