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Bridging the gap between self-help and therapy,
A Holding Space While You Wait for Therapy provides insight, support, compassion and hope to clients who are waiting to begin counselling and psychotherapy. Readers will benefit from building their knowledge through accessible psychoeducation, learning practical tools, and reading case vignettes which demonstrate these ideas in practice. Mirroring the way in which a therapist 'holds space' for a client, this book provides non-judgmental support to those experiencing challenging moments within their lives.
Written in a relational style and backed by academic research, this book provides an accessible yet rigorous guide to self-help while waiting for therapy. Each chapter is devoted to exploring a different part of the 'self', drawing from Daniel Stern's 'self-psychology' and the author's humanistic and integrative perspective. There is guidance on: dealing with feelings and emotions, supporting psychological well-being, tuning into the body's wisdom, developing a positive self-relationship, understanding and improving relationships, connecting with soul and spirituality, and harnessing creativity and the imagination - all with the common purpose of helping and healing.
The open-letter, easy-to-read style makes the content accessible and acts as a companion tool for the reader as they journey through the challenges of life. This is an essential read for clients waiting for therapy, mental health practitioners looking to provide support to waitlisted clients and trainees or students wanting to better understand the therapeutic journey in full.
List of contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. A Holding Space: Theoretical Approach
2. Holding Space for Feelings and Emotions
3. Holding Space for Psychological Well-being
4. Holding Space for the Body
5. Holding Space for Self-Compassion and Self-Love
6. Holding Space for Relationships
7. Holding Space for Soul and Spirituality
8. Holding Space for the Creative and Imaginative Self
Final Reflections
Index
About the author
Jessica Bowers is a counsellor and psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience. Prior to beginning her private practice, Jessica volunteered as a counsellor in a women's institute and a HMP prison counselling service. As a training facilitator for First Thought Training, she provides well-being related workshops for healthcare professionals within the NHS. She writes for Storytime Magazine's mental health content and has published a series of therapeutic children's books.
