Therapeutic Phrases

What Does it Mean to “Hold Space”?

“Holding space” means being physically, mentally, and emotionally present for someone without judgment. It is a space that creates an opportunity for people to feel/be seen and heard. Some vital components of holding space are to de-center yourself, refrain from jumping straight into advice-giving and problem-solving, validating the experience of others, and being open to any emotions that come up.

What Does it Mean to “Bear Witness”?

Bearing witness is a term that, used in psychology, refers to sharing our experiences with others, most notably in the communication to others of traumatic experiences. Bearing witness is a valuable way to process an experience, to obtain empathy and support, to lighten our emotional load by sharing it with the witness, and to obtain catharsis. Bearing witness requires attunement and validation to let us know that our stories are important, every part of us and our experiences are important, and our voices matter.

What Does it Mean to “Lean Into Discomfort”?

It's quite normal to avoid discomfort to prevent feeling life's physical, emotional, and mental distress. However, this behavior affects our emotions and creates challenges. Leaning into the discomfort means being a seeker of growth, and not trading that for an illusion of comfort. Comfort looks at the pleasant, while discomfort looks at the unpleasant, the raw, and the unplanned. Discomfort is a part of life. It is in discomfort that one grows. It is in it that change happens.