Attachment

Dr. Gabor Maté speaks about attachment as a non-negotiable biological need and how we have collectively lost our intuitive understanding of it. Attachment is the feeling of connection and safety that allows for higher-order thinking. Without attachment, the brain is preoccupied with managing fear and survival, precluding any meaningful learning. As EAs we have an opportunity and obligation to be a predictable Attachment Anchor by offering co-regulation before demanding self-control, and by validating feelings so the student knows vulnerability and acceptance are not mutually exclusive. It's a reminder to be vigilant in our pursuit of deeper self-awareness and emotional competence, to model this for our learners on their path to better outcomes.