The Healing Power of Holding Space in Art Therapy and Somatic Healing
You often hear therapists using the term holding space as it relates to the therapeutic process yet may find that you often ask yourself - what does that even mean? What is the holding space?
To me the holding space can have a lot of meanings. In the therapy session, it is a metaphor for the pause , where both the client and the therapist move slowly in order to be present to sensations, emotions, experiences and to what is being processed or discussed. The holding space can also be a symbol of the energetic and physical body which houses and holds our memories, emotions, sensations, etc. The holding space can look different for both the therapist and client in a therapy session and can also be experience outside for the client as well.
For the therapist
As a therapist, part of my role is to ensure the client’s safety - physical, mental and emotional. This is done by building rapport with the client, open communication and by practicing with the the most ethical standards in mind. While in a session with a client, therapists are often attuned to what clients are saying, how they are saying it, their body language and reflecting on what has been processed or discussed in the past as well. All of which is done in the holding space.
For me, as an Art Therapist, the holding space is the ability to be mindful of the client holistically as they are presenting themselves in the session. It also involves me finding a sense of attunement for the clients specific needs. It is within this space that I am able to guide and support clients in their process and along their healing journey. There is a specific magic to this experience and one of my favorite things about this field.
For the client
For the client, the holding space may take on a couple of different meanings. It can be the actual physical space (whether it be in an office or over zoom) and noticing how it feels - does it feel physically safe? Am I comfortable here? What would I want or need to adjust to better suit my needs? This also can include the general feeling you get when you are with your therapist.
The holding space can also be a metaphor for our emotional and physical body - how am I holding on to the things going on in my life (both past and present?). What are physical sensations I notice - uncomfortable, neutral and comfortable alike? It can also be the emotions, stories, thoughts, etc. It can even be the ways in which we are pushing down or avoiding noticing our inner experience.
The Holding Space in Somatic Healing and in Art Therapy
In Somatic Healing
In Somatic Healing, our body serves as our primary tool for exploration. Through mindful attention and awareness, we are able to explore ways in which we hold on to our: emotions, feelings, thoughts, sensations, memories and so much more. This experience of being attuned to and deciding how we are choosing to tend to these needs is the holding space in Somatic Healing.
By spending time in this holding space - both the metaphor and the physical body we can continue to listen and tend to our needs and continue our journey to heal.
In Art Therapy
In Art Therapy sessions, the art and the materials serve as the holding space. As we engage in the art-making process, the surface we are creating art on holds our emotions, stories, experiences, etc. The art materials - colored pencils, markers, paint, etc. - also hold and help up express those qualities. Lastly, the product and process also serve to hold and keep us safe as any challenging experiences arise.
No matter the environment, person or perspective the holding space is intended to support you on your healing journey. Both in the physical and metaphor, it invites you to tap into your sense of safety within moments that may otherwise feel challenging.
Want to explore the holding space for yourself? Try to engage in some visualization to image what it could look like or create some art to then visually express this experience. If you want to do so with some support, contact me HERE and we can discuss the different ways I can support you.
