What Makes A Safe Space?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A safe space is a place—physical or virtual—you can go to relax and recharge . A judgment-free zone where you can let your guard down and truly be yourself. Below are some tips on how to create a few such “safe spaces” for yourself in different areas of your life.

What exactly is a safe space?

The term safe space generally means “ a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism , harassment or any other emotional or physical harm.” (Oxford Dictionary).

What are the characteristics of safe space?

Features that have been identified to likely promote a safe space in youth community programs include physical and psychological safety, clear and consistent structure and appropriate supervision, supportive relationships, opportunities to belong, positive social norms, opportunities for skill building, 2 ethical ...

Can a person be a safe space?

Anyone can be a safe space .

In different circumstances, your judgment and decisiveness in a difficult situation may be what the person needs. Whatever being a safe space looks like to you, it’s important that the person feels comfortable enough to connect to the raw emotion of what is.

Why are safe spaces important?

Safe spaces, therefore, “represent an often clumsy—but still vital— attempt to create counterpublics for marginalised groups . These counterpublics serve two purposes; first, they provide spaces for groups to recuperate, reconvene, and create new strategies and vocabularies for resistance.

How do you create a safe space for anxiety?

  1. Build trust. Calling a space a safe space is not enough. ...
  2. Be vulnerable and allow yourself to build an emotional connection. ...
  3. Be inclusive. ...
  4. Give others a space to talk. ...
  5. Know that your actions speak louder than words. ...
  6. If there’s a physical environment, make it welcoming.

What is a safe space in a relationship?

Safe space is the name given to a moment in time between two or more people where a person can feel confident to not be judged, criticized, harassed , and in general that they will be able to be themselves with no harm, neither present — nor future.

What is a safe space in classroom?

Safe spaces are places where children can go to calm down, be alone, and recharge so they are ready to learn . ... These children often come to school feeling sad, scared, or angry. Having a safe space allows them to relax enough to learn, which is vital for leveling the playing field.

What to do if you don’t have a safe space?

  1. Acknowledge the problem. The number one thing to remember is that you have a right to feel safe and secure in your own home. ...
  2. Talk to someone and ask for help. ...
  3. Put some supports in place. ...
  4. Get professional support. ...
  5. Build your own coping skills.

How do I create a safe space in my bedroom?

  1. Set Your Intention. Start by checking in with what’s going on in your sleep space, and set a clear intention. ...
  2. Free Your Bed. Next, give your bed some space to breathe. ...
  3. Reduce Under Bed Storage. ...
  4. Create a Bedside Sanctuary. ...
  5. Color Your World. ...
  6. Freshen Up Your Linens. ...
  7. Reset The Room.

How do you create a safe space?

  1. Practice Loving-Kindness. ...
  2. Use Deep Listening. ...
  3. Have Unconditional Positive Regard. ...
  4. Sit with What Is. ...
  5. Allow. ...
  6. Breathe. ...
  7. Ground. ...
  8. Be Present with Yourself.

How do you create a safe space in dialogue?

  1. State views and ask genuine questions.
  2. Share all relevant information.
  3. Use specific examples and agree on what important words mean.
  4. Explain your reasoning.
  5. Focus on interests, not positions.
  6. Test assumptions and inferences.
  7. Jointly design the next steps.
  8. Discuss undiscussable issues.

What is a safe space conversation?

For conversation to flourish in a Knowledge Café or indeed any small group conversation, it is essential to create an environment where people feel equal participants , relax, be themselves, open up and speak their minds, relatively free from fear — a safe conversational space.

How do I make myself emotionally safe?

  1. Respect boundaries and consent. ...
  2. Pay attention to your nonverbal communication. ...
  3. Be an active listener. ...
  4. Practice transparency. ...
  5. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt. ...
  6. Foster accountability and follow through. ...
  7. Consider couples or relationship therapy.

How can I increase my feelings of safety?

  1. Remember your own self-care skills. ...
  2. Grieve. ...
  3. Surround yourself with the people who make you feel supported and safe. ...
  4. Help the greater good. ...
  5. Be a safe space. ...
  6. Smile and honor those who just want to be loved. ...
  7. Keep a gratitude journal. ...
  8. Remember that NO means NO.

How do you create safe space in a relationship?

Safety is created when you: turn towards your partner , give them eye contact, make facial expressions that show them they have your attention, sit/stand in close proximity, touch their hand. In other words, join them where they are. 4) Emphasize and Reinforce your commitment.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.