05/03/2026
Iāve been sitting with whether to share this post. And I think because this is something I still struggle with from time to time, there is vulnerability in it.
And yet, perhaps because it has been such a big theme for me in this life, Iāve learnt a thing or two along the way that feels valuable to share. So here we go šš½
Letās talk about leaky energy, weak energetic boundaries and āenergy vampiring,ā and how this shows up inside spiritual, healing and therapeutic spaces.
There comes a time in everyoneās life where they end up being the person who takes too much.
This is something that will probably resonate for many people, especially those who work 1:1 or hold group containers. But also for those who are on the receiving end of those services and offerings.
Think back to a time when you felt lost, confused, desperate or disconnected from your power.
In a space of lack. A season where you didnāt feel strong enough to self-resource. So you met others with grabby energy.
When weāre in this place, we donāt know how to meet our needs directly. So instead, we find strategic ways to get them met.
Often trying to harvest energy from others because weāre unable to find it from within ourselves.
In spiritual spaces, thereās a shadow that plays out often. The āenergy vampire.ā
The person who takes more from the space than they give.
It can look like sending too many often long and loaded messages.
Hovering at the door to ask more questions.
Manipulating group dynamics to bring attention back to themselves.
Not paying on time, creating an energetic leak that the facilitator has to chase.
Now, Iām not writing this to shame anyone. Because Iāve been this. So. Many. Times!!
And if you look honestly at your own journey, thereās a good chance you have too.
When I put my holistic counsellor hat on, I see this through the lens of trauma, attachment and being deeply under-resourced.
Weāre seeking connection, validation, power, recognition. The list goes onā¦
There is always a need underneath the behaviour trying to be met.
But instead of consciously meeting that need, it can show up as an unconscious attempt to feed off the facilitator, the group, or the energy in the space.
So how do we navigate this?
As space holders, I believe it starts within.
Itās easy to label someone an energy vampire.
Itās MORE POWERFUL to ask: where are my OWN boundaries weak?
Where AM I using my own spaces to get my needs met?
Perhaps to feel seen, validated, liked, important, powerful?
Where am I subtly feeding off my clients or students in order to feel bigger or stronger?
They are important questions to reflect on when youāre in a helping role. Because if you donāt get clear on why you help others...and really look at what you get from helping...then the exchange isnāt pure. It becomes bound up in hidden agendas that will eventually play out in your spaces.
Itās complex.
And it requires the space holder to have done a significant amount of shadow work, mentorship and supervision. But thatās a story for another day.
My mentor used to say, āBe the client you want as a facilitator.ā
Show up on time.
Pay on time.
Contribute to the space.
Notice where youāre uncontained in your emotions.
Honour a fair balance of giving and receiving.
Because if we donāt take responsibility for our own energy, eventually it catches up to us.
We can finger point and say the client is an energy vampire.
Or we can strengthen our own boundaries so this dynamic doesnāt manifest in our spaces. And if it does (because weāre human and themes will arise in spaces/therapeutic relationships to be explored), we know how to respond with firmness, humility and compassion.
We can then model what healthy boundaries and self-responsibility look like.
We show others that boundaries are not rejection, they create safety. They allow for secure, healthy, long-term relationships in both personal and professional spaces.
Without them, no one feels safe. And thatās a problem.
And perhaps most importantly, we remove the shame from this archetype.
Because when we can admit weāve all played it at some point, the charge softens.
The shadow loses its grip, because we lovingly own it and can begin meeting the needs that are crying out to be cared for.
For me, I sometimes still struggle with not taking on the energy of my clients. I sometimes run overtime in sessions. I sometimes give too much. I sometimes still have parts of me that are seeking to be heard, valued and seen.
But I am aware of them.
So I can tend to them with love and care, instead of letting them hijack the space or rupture relationships.
So, if this resonated, Iād love to hear from you in the comments⦠and if you feel willing to own your own āenergy vampire,ā how itās shown up for you along the way.
With love,
Rachel Rose
Holistic Counsellor & Shamanic Healer
www.rachelrose.co