Written by Allison Gilmore, MBA, COE, CPC, ELI-MP
The Power of Holding Space
I was having coffee with someone this week, and something in our conversation reminded me of an encounter I had with a patient many years ago — one that taught me a lifelong lesson about the quiet strength in simply holding space for another person.
An Unexpected Encounter
It was one of our busiest clinic days, and we were running behind schedule. I was working in another department when someone asked if I could walk a patient out after his exam. I agreed, not realizing how significant that short walk would become.
The patient was legally blind and used a white cane to navigate. He didn’t have anyone with him that day. As he held my elbow and we walked toward the front entrance, he began spitting fire — furious about everything that had gone wrong during his visit.
I barely had a chance to ask about his ride situation before he fired back sharp replies. I seated him in the vestibule and offered to call his ride. Since he wasn’t sure if they’d come inside to get him, I offered to stay and wait with him.
From Anger to Understanding
We sat for a while as he continued to express his frustration. I did my best to simply be there — listening, asking gentle questions where I could, and giving him the space express his emotion.
Over time, his tone began to soften. Then came the words I’ll never forget:
“I just got told that the last of the vision I had was gone.”
Then silence.
You could hear the devastation in his voice as his head lowered. Suddenly, his anger made perfect sense. His world had just changed — and in that moment, I was the only one there to walk through it with him. I didn’t have the perfect words, but I knew I could offer presence.
When his ride arrived, I helped him to the car. Before getting in, he stopped, found my hand, and said, “Thank you.” It was simple, but filled with emotion — a thank you that will stay with me forever.
The Gift of Presence
Sometimes, one of the greatest gifts we can give another person is to hold space for them.
It can feel uncomfortable — silence often does. But when we allow ourselves to simply be present, to acknowledge someone’s pain or experience without trying to fix it, we give them permission to feel seen, heard, and valued.
That experience remains one of my most powerful reminders to be kind — always.
Because there is always more to the story.
Holding Space in Coaching
One of the most powerful aspects of coaching is exactly this — holding space. Coaching isn’t about giving advice or having all the answers. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where someone can think deeply, feel fully, and find their own clarity and strength.
Whether you’re navigating a transition, seeking growth, or simply trying to reconnect with your purpose — you don’t have to do it alone.
Ready to Experience the Power of Coaching?
If this story resonated with you and you’re ready to explore what holding space through coaching can do for your personal or professional growth, I’d love to connect.
👉 Let’s start a conversation.
Schedule a discovery call or message me directly to learn how coaching can help you find clarity, confidence, and direction — with kindness at the center.
https://calendly.com/allison-mindset/coaching-discovery-call
