Chapter 1: What It Really Means to Be There
You don’t need a degree in psychology to be a safe place for someone — you just need to be there.
But what does “being there” really mean?
It means sitting with someone in their pain instead of trying to make it go away. It means listening without judgment. It means resisting the urge to offer solutions when what they really need is to feel heard.
In psychology, this is often called holding space — the act of being present and open, creating emotional safety so someone else can express themselves freely.
People don’t always remember what you said. They remember how you made them feel.
Sometimes, you might notice someone who seems like they want to talk but doesn’t quite know how to start. In those moments, your words can gently invite them to open up without pressure. Here are some simple, caring ways to begin the conversation:
“I’m here for you whenever you’re ready to talk.”
“You can tell me anything, no rush.”
“Take your time — I’m listening.”
“Whatever you’re feeling is okay to share.”
“If you don’t feel like explaining right now, that’s completely okay too.”
“I care about what you’re going through, and I’m here with you.”
“It’s safe to share with me, no judgment.”
Reflection Prompt:
Think about a time someone was there for you — or wasn’t. What made that moment memorable? What would you have wanted from them?