What Does It Really Mean to “Hold Space” in Coaching?

The phrase “holding space” can sound mystical—but in coaching, it’s less about candles and lotus flowers and more about presence and trust.

“Hold space.”

Ah yes—the phrase that has launched a thousand coach training brochures, Instagram posts, and slightly overused LinkedIn hashtags. It sounds mystical, like you’re about to conjure up sage smoke and a Tibetan singing bowl. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, What the heck does that actually look like in practice?, you’re not alone.

So let’s demystify it—without losing the heart of what makes it powerful.

Spoiler: It’s Not Interior Decorating

Holding space is not about arranging comfy pillows, dimming the lights, or perfecting your “active listening face.” It’s not about you creating your perfect vibe.

It’s about making room for the client—their emotions, their thinking, their breakthroughs, their awkward pauses. It’s creating a container that says:

“You’re safe here.”

“You get to be messy here.”

“You get to surprise yourself here.”

In ICF-speak, this shows up in competencies like Cultivates Trust and Safety and Maintains Presence. And if you’re wondering how to tell when you’re really holding space (and not just decorating it), the next section shows you the signs.

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