When we hold space for someone as a therapist, we are not just offering techniques, we are offering ourselves. It is therefore essential to enter the role with presence, aware
ness, and groundedness. Here are some important practices to keep in mind:
1. Begin with your own grounding practice
Before you meet your client, make sure you are centered. This could be meditation, a mindful walk in nature, breathwork, or even a simple moment of surrender to your creator or higher power. Your state of mind sets the tone for the session.
2. Listen with an open heart, free of judgments
In the therapeutic space, there is no “right” or “wrong.” Clients share their stories from their own lens, and our role is to hear them with compassion. At this stage, refrain from advising, interpreting, or judging. Simply allow their words to be.
3. Practice deep, reflective listening
Pay close attention to the client’s language and expressions. Note their exact words (verbatim) where possible, these often reveal core beliefs and anchors that can guide your later work with them.
4. Explore their inner and outer world
Try to understand what brings them joy, what disinterests them, and what feels heavy or pleasurable. This helps you see not just their struggles, but also their sources of vitality and resilience.
5. Take a clear medical history
Always understand whether the client is on any medication or undergoing medical treatment. This is important for safe and ethical practice, and helps you adapt your process accordingly.
6. Be mindful if serving food
If your setting includes offering food, keep it simple, light, and nourishing. Avoid the energy of a party, remember this is a therapeutic space. Consider their comfort foods and dietary preferences with care.
7. Care for yourself too
As a therapist, your well-being matters. Stay hydrated, eat light before sessions, and protect your own energy so you can show up fully for your clients.
### Contraindications & Cautions to Remember
1. Trust your gut feeling
If something inside you says no to taking up a client, honour that. It is absolutely okay to decline, but do it with care, respect, and gentleness. No blame, no shame, no guilt. Sometimes the most responsible act is to step back.
2. Respect the client’s pace in regression
No matter how skilled you are, some clients may take longer to regress or may struggle to contain the regression. This can feel frustrating, or even scary for the therapist. In such moments, remember the oath: the client is the king. We never tell a client, “You are hard to regress.” Instead, we acknowledge that sometimes more sessions are needed. With patience we say, “Let’s try again,” or “Perhaps we will revisit this after some time.”
