Protected space
The term “ protected space ” is a technical term from the field of psychology . It is used today in a variety of therapy and counseling settings.
In a narrower sense, the term from psychology describes the framework of the therapeutic relationship between analyst and patient . This should be designed in such a way that the patient can express his thoughts and feelings freely and develop trust. The therapist must consciously ensure that he maintains a professional distance from himself despite this trusting relationship. In the protection of this distance, the patient should be able to express feelings such as love, hate, criticism, even sexual desires and fantasies, without having to fear negative consequences or rejection from the therapist. Furthermore, the therapist is subject to the duty of confidentiality according to the Psychotherapists Act .
In a broader sense, the term is used in many contexts in which a framework of rules ensures that thoughts, opinions and feelings should be expressed openly and without fear of devaluation or punishment. These rules often contain agreements on confidentiality vis-à-vis third parties and on treating each other with respect.
The term is often confused with the inner safe place , a module from Psychodynamic Imaginative Trauma Therapy .
Individual evidence
- ^ C. Heinemann, Th. Before the Horst: Group psychotherapy with children . A practice book. W. Kohlhammer Verlag, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-17-019662-9 , chap. 2.1 Conclusions across schools , p. 59 .