The Importance of Holding Space with Ryan Hassan & Gemma Carroll

Presenters: - Ryan Hassan, Co-founder at the Centre for Healing and Co-creator of Embodied Processing- Gemma Carroll, Holistic Counsellor and Embodied Processing Practitioner Key Points: 1. Importance of Holding Space - Holding a safe, attuned, present space is crucial, regardless of modality or techniques used - The therapeutic relationship and alliance is the most healing aspect 2. What is Holding Space? - Creating a "healing bubble" - a non-judgmental, regulated, attuned space - Establishing safety, trust and confidentiality 3. The Practitioner's Role - Regulating your own nervous system before and after sessions - Developing rituals and practices to enter and exit the space - Meeting the client halfway, reducing effort 4. Elements of Holding Space - Deep listening and observation - Constant checking in and permission-seeking - Validation and normalization of the client's experience 5. Barriers to Holding Space - Agenda over intention - Practitioner's own triggers and biases - Lack of self-knowledge and perfectionism 6. Orientation for Holding Space - "All is welcome here" - "I'm not here to fix you; you're not broken" - Curiosity and compassion towards uncomfortable emotions/sensations 7. Developing Resources - Internal regulation practices - External support systems and mentors - Keeping client notes and debriefing Key Takeaways:- Safety and trust are foundational for healing- Holding space is an ongoing practice for the practitioner- Less effort, more presence and attunement is key- Continuous self-work and resource-building is essential Connect with Gemma Carroll: 🌐 Website: www.gemmacarroll.com 📸 Instagram: @gemmacarrollnz 👍 Facebook: The MindBody Guru 💼 LinkedIn: Gemma Carroll 📰 Substack: The MindBody Guru