12/04/2026
As my friend and I just came from an amazing and soothing cacao ceremony, we talked about how there has been a growing number of ceremonies, gatherings, circles, trainings, and workshops being offered in different spaces that are not held with high level of care.
Ceremonies, circles, and workshops can open up deep emotional and psychological experiencesβand without proper grounding and facilitation, these spaces can become overwhelming and triggering for participants.
While many of these are created with good intentions, not all spaces are held with the same level of care and responsibility.
As a registered psychologist, professional teacher, and seasoned group facilitator, I hold one principle above all:
SAFETY.
The safety of participantsβboth physical and psychologicalβis not optional. It is foundational.
Safety in these spaces is not just about the absence of harm.
It includes:
β’ clear structure and facilitation
β’ informed consent and proper guidance
β’ awareness of emotional and psychological processes
β’ respect for personal boundaries and autonomy
β’ the capacity to respond when participants become overwhelmed
Practices that involve deep emotional expression, altered states, or energy work can open up vulnerable internal experiences. Without proper containment, these can lead to confusion, distress, or harm.
Holding space is not just about creating meaningful experiences. It is about being responsible for what may arise within those experiences.
This is why training, preparation, and ethical grounding matter.
Not everything that feels intense is healing.
Not everything that looks spiritual is safe.
As facilitators and practitioners, we are called to create spaces that are not only transformative, but also grounded, informed, and responsible.
