I think Leah explains the qualities of holding and why it's an important feature of therapy. What it felt like for me was not only acceptance, validation, and empathy, but also a sense of order, safety and control--that I was protected from my inner self and from being overwhelmed by my emotions. Also a sense that I could bring any fear into the room and be protected--that being able to do that psychologically gave me a safe space and time to deal with things. It took the pressure off of me in the moment, allowing me to delay facing or reacting to whatever was bothering me in the moment. There was also the very deep feeling of having someone who could carry some of the weight of pain.