The term “holding space” is often used in conversations about emotional support, but what does it truly mean? At its heart, holding space is about being present with someone—offering them a safe place where they can express their emotions freely, without fear of judgment or unsolicited advice. It’s less about doing and more about being.

When we hold space for someone, we are saying, “I see you. I hear you. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone.” This is a profoundly healing act, and it requires intentionality and care. To hold space effectively, we need to cultivate the following practices:

1. Practice Compassionate Listening

Compassionate listening is more than hearing words; it’s about tuning in to what lies beneath them. It means listening with your heart, not just your ears, and being fully present. This requires putting aside distractions—your phone, your own thoughts, and even your urge to respond. Instead, focus entirely on the person in front of you. Let them know through your body language and eye contact that you are there for them. Compassionate listening involves suspending your agenda and resisting the urge to interrupt or steer the conversation. It’s about holding back judgment and allowing the person to unfold their story in their own way, at their own pace.

2. Cultivate Non-Judgment and Empathy

When someone is sharing their pain, fears, or struggles, it can be tempting to evaluate, categorize, or even minimize what they’re going through. True non-judgment means accepting their experience as it is, without labeling it as “right” or “wrong,” “good” or “bad.” Empathy goes a step further—it’s the bridge between hearing and truly understanding. Empathy invites you to step into their shoes and imagine how they might be feeling. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with their perspective, but it does mean honoring their emotional truth as real and valid.

3. Offer Support Without Trying to “Fix It”

One of the hardest parts of holding space is resisting the urge to “fix” someone’s pain. As humans, many of us are solution-oriented by nature. When we see someone we care about struggling, we want to swoop in with answers or advice to make things better. But holding space is not about solving problems—it’s about creating a safe space where someone can explore their emotions and find their own path forward. Sometimes, the most supportive thing we can do is simply sit in the discomfort with them, offering quiet reassurance that they are not alone. Remember, they don’t need you to be their rescuer; they need you to be their witness.

Holding space is incredibly powerful. In a world where we are often pressured to move on, fix things quickly, or keep emotions repressed, creating a safe space for someone else’s feelings can be profoundly healing. By practicing compassionate listening, non-judgment, and offering unfixing support, we let the other person know that their story—and their humanity—matters. When was the last time you held space for someone? Or had someone hold space for you?