The Roots of Love and Commitment in Childhood

Drawing from her clinical work with children and own childhood reflections, Dr. Lawrence underscores that the earliest sense of a true self is for the infant an experience of a self as worthy of love. This self-image becomes internalized as the infant looks into the mirror of the not too conflicted caregiver. She stresses that love which only can exist in relationship, is a social experience, does organize social experience, outstanding among these being commitments—commitments that bind a person to a course of action and connection. Dr. Lawrence interfaces psychoanalytic wisdom with spiritual references as she describes her work with children and families.