Overview
“Holding space” is a pop psychology term that refers to listening and witnessing someone’s emotions without attempting to judge their solutions or provide one yourself. It differs from the idea of being a good listener in that holding space focuses on allowing someone to express their emotions without judgment while good listening often involves active participation in a conversation.
History and Etymology
The concept of creating a safe environment for someone to process their emotions has been present in psychoanalytic practice and research for decades, but the phrase “holding space” is largely associated with Heather Plett’s blog. 1