On Falling, Holding, and Grounding

Building on the theoretical and developmental history of the fear of falling, holding and grounding in bioenergetic analysis and other psychodynamic theories, this paper presents some of the expressions, experiences and anxieties of falling and the defensive/adaptive, characterological, intra-psychic and interpersonal correlates of holding. In addition the importance of grounding is discussed for setting a foundation and a space/relationship in which it feels safe enough to surrender to the fear of falling. This yields to one’s understanding of the need to hold, in whatever adaptive form it takes, in order to maintain attachments and protect the life force within. https://www.psychosozial-verlag.de/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/20000/products_id/7257 https://doi.org/10.30820/0743-4804-2016-26 peerReviewed publishedVersion