A. R. Smith Studios

Holding space can seem a very vague and “woo-woo” term, but it just means being with someone non-judgementally in whatever they are doing, experiencing, or needing.

This requires actively setting aside our own preferences, interests, and opinions in order to create space, a non-judgemental space, for the clients to entertain and engage with one another’s thoughts, preferences, interests, and opinions. It does not mean I don’t matter but rather this isn’t the place for them. It requires that I truly engage the value of autonomy and activate my belief that the many “right” ways to be a human are beautiful, and to recognize the honor and privilege I have to bear witness to them. 

Barriers to holding space:

• Judgement of what is occurring
• Preferences about what should be occurring
• Belief that you are responsible to fix it

Questions to deepen your practice:

• What barriers do you experience to holding space for consumers? 
• What do you need to be able to hold space for others?
• What is the relationship between your interpreting and/or teaching practice and the idea of holding space?