How to Hold Space for Someone (Healing & Mental Health)

Sometimes the best way to support someone (or yourself) is to simply listen without judgment. This is called "holding space."
In this video, I'll break down what holding space means, how to practice it, and why it's so powerful. You'll learn:
• The difference between holding space and trying to fix problems
• How to hold space for your own difficult emotions
• Tips for holding space for the people you care about
I'll also share my new program, Mindful Moments Weekly, which offers guided audio tools to cultivate self-compassion and resilience.

WANT TO START IN THERAPY? Here's a convenient and affordable option with my sponsor BetterHelp

For a monthly fee, you get a REAL licensed therapist with whom you can meet weekly by phone, video or chat. You can also send daily messages.

References
Mamede, André et al. "Mindfulness as a Protective Factor Against Depression, Anxiety and Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Emotion Regulation and Insomnia Symptoms as Mediators." Frontiers in psychology vol. 13 820959. 1 Apr. 2022, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.820959

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[darionnaimi]

Tracy you’re making me a better man. Thank you for giving such powerful knowledge to us for free

[michaelknapp]

I’m bipolar and at 57 I’ve learned to accept my issues as they are. Yup I had a crappy past but those days are over and I just accept it. I also have learned to love myself and accept the good things I’ve done in my life. I’m ok right now.

[kyrabarr]

There are times that we can hold space for others, and then it is essential that we learn how to hold space for ourselves. Everyone is going through their own personal struggles and challenges. Sometimes even though we might mean well, we can't always be there for the people that we love in the ways that they might need us. There's a place for therapists to help us, there's a place to be a venting safe space at times, and then also people must develop their own ways to handle life situations in a healthy way when others are not available.

[anno]

I have had panic attacks weekly, I was on medication and did therapy to get better. But the most important part was when I started feeling the fear, accept it, sit with it and tell myself that it's okay. Obviously since I've had it for years it took time to heal, but it is incredible how much my anxiety decreased over the years. It's nearly gone completely, and I bet it will be in half a year or so.

[infiniteabundant]

This is why people need therapists. Normal people don't understand this. Normal people have problems of their own as well. People also need to have these internal coping mechanisms instead of always needing external sources to try to balance from because there isn't always some one to "hold space" for you. Sometimes you have to go at life alone.

[DSuccess]

This is so important. People are often very unaware of how they speak to themselves

[thsis]

Love this video. Perfectly explains how to hold space. Basically just being present, be accepting of the situation. Like you said, you don't need to fix it or say much of anything. This is something neither one of my parents can do, to this day... And I'm sure this is fairly normal with older generations.

[TheuppercaseM]

ive been able to hold space for the lyrics of defying gravity thanks to this VIDEO 💜

[PGHFilmz]

Dr.Marks👩‍⚕️ you don't miss with these videos. You are educating humans(No Clue what direction mental health is going to go with A.I. moving into the world🌏). I like to hear your perspective on bettering oneself, it's from the perspective of a human(You👩‍⚕️). I'm thankful & Thank You.

[cindyjohnson]

4:39 I love the videos. I just can't remember them at an anxiety or panic attack. It's like no matter what I say to myself, I can't stop these attacks. My therapist recommended your videos, which have been an eye-opener. You talk about a subject like you know me. Thank you.

[biancahargrett]

I deal with a lot of body image issues and Body dysmorphia. I think I’ve been dealing with an ED since I was a teenager. Recently I’ve been enjoy a beautiful healthy relationship and decreased activity, instead of all day every day I’m active 3-5 times a week. I’ve also been dealing with digestive issue and just pain getting older. With all that my body has changed a little and it’s put me through a tail spin of insecurity and anxiety. Telling myself “I dont need to be perfect all the time.” Is something that I just realized I needed to hear.

[samsam]

You simply mentioning the self compassion got me emotional, it's so hard for me to accept that I'm "allowed" to feel a certain way and feel guilty when I try. Thank you for your videos, I will keep trying.

[Sharmanicus]

Your hard work generously and skilfully shared here has been a gift to me. Thank you, Dr Marks.

[kristalliiite]

Currently in my second quarter of my clinical mental health counseling masters and this has been the biggest take away. Counselors are not fixers.

[JonaHanesburg]

Who's watching this because of that Wicked interview

[kourada]

I have started taking medicinal cbd oil from an exceptional provider in Holland. It is incredible how helpful it has been to me, much better than any medication i have taken in the past. This, in combination with introspection, internal work and physical exercise makes me feel so balanced 😊

[paulapereira]

Thank you for your precious videos, Dr Tracey❤

[jerobarraco]

Great video !

Thanks so much for clear audio without sounds and on screen summaries 🙏🙏🙏 so helpful!

[AbleTasharMusic]

Yes yesDr Trecy Mark i strongly agree with you thanks again and God bless you more.

[RobertEWaters]

I wish I'd learned this lesson long before I did- and remembered it.