What is "safe-venting"?
Updated: Nov 22, 2020
"Safe-venting" is a term I made up. It is the combination of "safe space" and "venting," where you hold space for another person to be vulnerable about their needs, wants and aspirations.
Why do we vent? It can have the potential to reduce our stress levels. Rime (2009) states that disclosing stress is a coping mechanism, and thus a space to vent can help us cope with our stress. While positive venting can reduce stress, negative venting can lead to heightened stress and physical health concerns. It is not just about the person venting, but equally important, the person who is hearing the vent. Research has shown that the difference between positive and negative venting can be focused on the ways in which the person hearing the vent responds, both through speech and action (Bodie et al., 2015; Goldsmith, 2004).
Sometimes our relationships with our Self, partners, family or friends may be the source of stress, or they may be biased when they hear your feelings.
We've all had the person who:
wants to fix everything;
hates the person or thing more than you do;
downplays your emotions;
makes it about themselves;
doesn't know what to say;
or, is tired of hearing you talk about the same thing.
And while we are so grateful for the time and energy of all of the people above (especially the last person who needs a little break) sometimes it is needed to hear a fresh perspective from someone who still has your best intentions at heart.
This is where "safe-venting" comes in. "Safe-venting" provides a non-biased perspective with the intention of offering you a safe environment to authentically and honestly express yourself with little filter, observe your feelings, and imagine the growth you want to see in yourself.
Holding space for your feelings
Actively listening
Empathizing with how you are feeling
Understanding so I can provide the best tools for you to grow and feel better in life
In the Transformation Sessions I offer, we share a space for "safe-venting" where I hold space for you to share whatever may be weighing on you before we employ the myriad of yoga tools and resources that can help you transform into the person you want to be.
If you are interested in this aspect of the transformation sessions, fill out a Private Yoga Intake Form and we can chat more about how yoga can best serve you.
Always with gratitude,
Allison
References:
Bodie, G.D., Vickery, A.J., Cannava, K., & Jones, S.M. (2015). The role of “active listening” in informal helping conversations: Impact on perceptions of listener helpfulness, sensitivity, and supportiveness and discloser emotional improvement. Western Journal of Communication, 79(2), 151-173.
Goldsmith, D.J. (2004). Communication social support. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Rimé, B. (2009). Emotion elicits the social sharing of emotion: Theory and empirical review. Emotion Review, 1, 60-65.