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The Practice of Holding Space: Intention, Neutrality, and Practitioner Self-Awareness

The Practice of Holding Space: Intention, Neutrality, and Practitioner Self-Awareness

$25.00
$25.00
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This 1 credit course was developed for social workers and behavioral health professionals. This course explores the foundational principles of holding space in transformative, trauma-informed practice, with a focus on intention, practitioner consciousness, awareness, embodiment, and ethical presence. Participants will examine how personal practice, alignment, mindfulness, and boundaries influence the practitioner’s ability to create safety, support authentic client expression, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. This course also highlights the importance of self-awareness, neutrality, and returning to one’s core purpose in order to practice with confidence, integrity, and clarity.

Target Audience: Social workers and behavioral health professionals

Content Level: Introductory–Intermediate

About the Authors

Lori Kinsey is the founder and continued education director of Red Lotus Life, she strives to lead from a place of integrity that enables clients to expand into their most authentic self. Her passion for this work is revealed in every workshop and retreat. She has the ability to hold strong empathy and safe space for people, because of the work she has done in the areas of domestic violence and human trafficking. As a domestic abuse survivor, her goal is to help others heal from a place of compassion and trust. She has experience working with many individuals who have experienced different areas of trauma. She is truly a dynamic and inspiring speaker.

Sara Hoffman is an integrity driven coach and mentor dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence throughout the healing process. A professional recognized by the Spiral Institute and peers, as well as serving as an integral proponent, while building a heart centered supportive community. Passionate instructor and educator with expertise in compassionate and non-violent communication, addiction, and family trauma. Extensive knowledge in the areas of psychology, human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, kinesiology and nervous system regulation. Proven skill sets in numerous areas including  ethics, team building, research, healthcare, business, administration, marketing and course/content creation, with the ability to operate in highly diverse populations and emergency situations. 

Learning Objectives

After watching this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define the role of intention in creating safety and strengthening the therapeutic alliance.
  • Explain how practitioner self-awareness and level of consciousness influence clinical presence and client outcomes.
  • Describe the relationship between embodiment, mindfulness, and ethical space-holding in trauma-informed practice.
  • Identify the importance of boundaries in supporting client safety and authentic emotional expression.
  • Recognize how returning to a clear sense of professional purpose can support confidence, certainty, and integrity in practice
  • 1.5 Credits
  • 80% Passing Score
  • Self-Paced
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Chapter 1: Course Orientation, Scope, and CE Completion

Introducing the purpose of this continuing education training and establishing clear scope: this course is educational and skills-based, not psychotherapy. Participants review how to complete the course for CE credit in an asynchronous format, including full seat time, posttest, evaluation, and attestation requirements.

Chapter 2: Practitioner Impact and Why Self-Responsibility Matters

Exploring how the practitioner’s internal state can shape the quality and safety of helping relationships. Participants examine why self-responsibility and regulated presence reduce the risk of rescuing, shutdown, or subtle reenactment in professional practice.

Chapter 3: The Role of Intention and Consciousness in Professional Practice

Introducing the core premise that practitioner impact is shaped by level of consciousness and strength of intention. Participants translate this concept into clinically appropriate language—self-awareness, reflective capacity, and role-aligned decision-making under pressure.

Chapter 4: Recognizing Unconscious Reactivity in Real Time

Teaching participants how to identify common signs of unconscious reactivity that can compromise clarity and boundaries in practice. Participants learn to recognize internal cues and behavioral cues as early indicators of drift from regulated choice.

Chapter 5: The Trigger-to-Choice Micro-Skill Framework

Introducing a simple 3-step reflective tool designed for immediate use in high-pressure moments: Trigger-to-Meaning-to-Choice. Participants learn how naming the trigger and internal cue creates a pause, how meaning-making drives reaction, and how deliberate choice supports role integrity and client dignity.

Chapter 6: Demonstration: From Trigger to Regulated Response

Providing a guided demonstration of the Trigger-to-Choice process using a realistic practice scenario. Participants observe how the tool supports de-escalation, curiosity, and alliance-protective language without abandoning boundaries or professional scope.

Chapter 7: Guided Reflection to Strengthen Clinical Presence

Offering a brief private reflection practice to build self-awareness without disclosing sensitive personal or client information. Participants identify one recurring reactivity pattern, name the internal cue that signals it, and draft an intention to support regulated, ethical practice.

Chapter 8: Applied Practice Lab - Vignette A (Urgency and Rescuing)

Applying Trigger-to-Choice to a scenario that commonly activates urgency and rescuing responses. Participants practice slowing down, identifying the meaning driving the reaction, and selecting a role-aligned response that supports safety planning while preserving client autonomy.

Chapter 9: Applied Practice Lab: Vignette B (Defensiveness and Shutdown)

Applying Trigger-to-Choice to a scenario that commonly activates defensiveness, rigidity, or withdrawal when challenged. Participants practice responding with grounded curiosity, maintaining dignity in the relationship, and choosing language that reduces rupture risk.

Chapter 10: Integration for Sustainable Practice and Course Close

  • Reinforcing integration strategies that support long-term skill retention, including brief orienting pauses, values/ethics role-checks, consultation thresholds, and documentation prompts. Participants finalize a role-based intention statement to strengthen self-liberation from unconscious limiting patterns and complete the posttest and evaluation to earn CE credit.ser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher
  • Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible.

This video-based online course is self-paced/non-interactive. Course questions can be directed to the author by email: hello@redlotuslife.com.

System requirements: (example)

  • Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher
  • Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher
  • Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible.

Course completion requirements: To earn CE credit, social workers must log in through the client portal, attend the entire course and complete an online course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.

Red Lotus Life, LLC, Provider #1940, is approved as an ACE Provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 7/24/2025-7/24/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 general continuing education credits. 

For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call: 435-414-0485.