(Ok, so after my mad three hours, I'm attempting to hold my head up, move on and step back into the place where I have good faith in the therapeutic process and want to keep learning and growing and ridding myself of my ignorance)

This had been on my mind a bit. What does the 'feeling held' thing mean in therapy? My therapist has used this phrase a few times and I don't get it.

I'm guessing it's something to do with emotional safety, feeling secure enough to express what you want or need to express? But what's that got to do with holding anyone - is it just a metaphor for feeling comfortable talking about anything and feeling listened to? I really don't understand.

Holding means the same as cuddling, right? As opposed to a hug which is quicker? The only people I have ever literally 'held' are my parents and lovers, in that case, I only hug friends? I don't hanker after hugs with my therapist, and though I love her I certainly don't want to cozy up for a cuddle.

Maybe that's why the metaphoric version makes me feel a bit...ick? Does feeling metaphorically held only feel right if you have a maternal transference?

Not sure if I'm making sense or talking in circles.