Holding Space Defined

The term holding space is quoted in my circle frequently.

I use it sometimes outside of my Somatic Therapy and Biodynamic Cranial work only to find that people don’t understand what it means.

 If someone walks into my office for therapy holding space is what I am doing for him or her. My favorite definition of holding space is as follows.  

Holding Space means that we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgment and control.

As a space holder, I sit in stillness within myself and encourage the other person to touch into their nervous system on a deeper level. People come into a new setting vulnerable. They are seeking therapy because they are battling disruptions in their life.

This therapy I do requires that the space I create is safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate.

I must be able to sit in stillness and listen deeply without bringing my biases or story into my work.

Great change can occur in this type of space.

This work is NOT about the story everyone so wants to share. It IS about setting a place where both nervous systems can find an inner sanctum that has health, vitality and unconditional love.

I can do this job effectively because I have many people holding space for me outside the office.

These people are intentionally chosen. They have proven time and time again that they know how to show up for me. I can be near them and feel my worth and beauty.

They allow me to be authentic, vulnerable and disheveled. I am loved unconditionally by my chosen space holders and blessed by their presence.

Come and let me hold space for you. I guarantee you it will be the best part of my day and your hopefully yours as well.

Free Somatic therapy consultations always available.

Listening to and understanding our inner sufferings will resolve most of the problems we encounter.

Thich Nhat Hanh