The Importance of Holding Space: A Personal Reflection
A few years ago, I had a deep conversation with another practitioner. She was opening up to me about her life’s journey and struggles, and as she spoke, she became emotional, tearing up as she recalled the details. I was right there with her, holding her hand and being fully present.
Later, she asked me a question, and I answered it with complete honesty, being as open and vulnerable as I could. To my surprise, she turned red, pulled back, and said, “I’m sorry, but it triggers me.”
I remember thinking to myself that I wonder whether she has the ability and capacity to hold space for her clients, if someone's pain triggers her so much she shuts down.
The concept of holding space is deeply connected to the idea of nervous system coherence. In simple terms, this is when two people co-regulate, allowing the same process to flow through both of them. It’s why a hug can be so healing. When we hold space for someone else or even a group, we offer our nervous system as a source of calm and regulation. If our nervous system has low capacity, we won’t have enough “room” or energy to hold space for someone else effectively.
This is the essence of Alignment Therapy. It’s about holding space for your own process. My role is to assist, not to dictate. I’m here to hold you and witness you—physically, through my own nervous system.
Is it time to book a session? Press the link below and we'll see you in a bit.