The holding environment and intersubjectivity

The holding enviromental is explored in the context of the analytic dyad, w here it is seen as rooted in the patient's need to be experientially known through the intersubjective interaction. In examining previous emphasis on holding as an optimally attuned empathic environment provided by the analys t, a broadened view of what constitutes a holding environment is presented underscoring its interactional nature. A distinction is made between empath ic holding based on the patient's expressed material, and holding that is g enerated through the analyst's intersubjective knowledge e, gained via ongo ing intersubjective engagements and enactments. It is argued that the unmed iated connection to the patient's internal representations resulting from t hese intersubjective interactions, and the ensuing verbal exploration of th em, can create a profound sense of being understood and thus held. A clinic al process depicting the experience of holding in art intersubjective conte xt is presented.