The holding environment is to the physical and emotional space in which a caregiver nurtures a child’s physical and psychological needs, guiding them towards autonomy.
Together, therapist and patient recreate this psychological holding environment in the therapy room, as a space for the patient to explore their internal world.
Winnicott D., (1965). The maturational processes and the facilitating environment, (pp. 37-55). New York, NY: International Universities Press.