Deep staying with an emotional or bodily experience in mindfulness. Not analysis, not change — simply full presence with what is there.
Step-by-step guide
- Client has met a strong feeling or sensation
- Invite staying: "Can you just be with this?"
- Do not analyze, do not change, do not console prematurely
- Support with presence: "I am here. You are not alone with this"
- Let the experience unfold naturally
- When the wave has passed: "What was that? What did you learn?"
When to use
- When a strong experience emerges that the client usually avoids
- At the meeting with core material; when "being with" matters more than "doing"
Key phrases
You don't have to do anything with this. You don't have to explain it or fix it. Just let it be here with us — I am here, you are not alone with this. Breathe slowly. We have time.
Follow-up questions
What does the feeling need from us right now?
How is it to have company with it?
Is there a part that wants to run? That's okay — we notice it.
When the wave passes, what remains?
Alternative phrasings
If it becomes too much, we come back up — you can say stop.
One breath at a time is enough.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Immersion is not flooding. If the client loses contact — bring them back.
- ⚠️ Your presence is the anchor. Do not drift into your own feelings — stay grounded.
Source: Kurtz, 1990; Ogden, 2006
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.