A Safe Space

Our grasping reflexes are beautiful examples of physical connections that establish trust and attachment. We think of an infant’s tiny hands wrapped around a finger, a newborn mouth seeking nourishment, and how reflexes drive the gentle turn of a soft cheek toward a warm and safe body. The primitive reflexes that aid survival in those early stages of development are deeply important on a social and emotional level. 

We as humans seek a stable maternal presence that responds to these primitive needs, that accepts the outstretched arms and transitions us from the fling of Moro to a calming cling. We seek maternal figures to hear our cry, to provide a safe space for our needs and unconditional love that carries us even when we outgrow their cradling arms. After all, motherhood is a lifelong commitment.

The safety of a mother extends well beyond those early developmental transitions. When my clients leave Thrive, it’s the parental support at home that nurtures their growth, that sits in the RMTi work with them and listens to hear when enough is enough. Mothers and mother figures are the definition of safety and we appreciate all of the ways they are there for us throughout our lives, near and far.