“Me, Myself, and I” Presentation by Dr. Gilbert M. Foley

We would first like to thank Dr. Gilbert M. Foley, EdD for joining us on campus alongside many accomplished professionals in the field! As students, it is always great to see our facilities such as the NHIOP being used openly by the community whilst also allowing students to gain a broader knowledge of study from outside the College’s affiliates. For those of us interested in childhood psychology, trauma, and attachment, this program was a great supplement to our studies. This presentation was very enriching because of the amount of detail and background given to support the main objective that infants, toddlers, and children have specific and important attachment needs. Not only was evidence of this idea provided by brain scans of children whom had experienced neglect, but also in the philosophical formation of the self. The early formation of the self plays a role in the “Brain-Self Connection” in that a lack of ego identification can be detected in many (though not one specific) locus of the brain. Ego and early sense of self can only be developed properly within a secure and stimulating attachment environment, further promoting the importance of early childhood and parental interventions. Alongside this concept, it is clear that children in particular need secure attachment through relationships, affection, sensation, and language in order to relate to the rest of the world through their sense of self. As students in this field, what should we be focusing on as we approach our professional research and fieldwork? Dr. Foley suggests that attachment interventions should incorporate affectionate touch, mutual gaze (reflective functioning), and certain vocal-rhythm combinations. A special focus should be put on responsive and secure caregiving while also being mindful of age-appropriate sensory input. As students, these lessons were very helpful and enriching, and we are very thankful for Dr. Gilbert Foley for representing his important work here on campus!