Bion's concept of containment

Bion's concept of containment refers to the process by which a supportive figure, like a therapist or caring person, absorbs and makes sense of a person's difficult emotions or thoughts. This external "container" helps the individual process complex or overwhelming feelings, reducing anxiety and confusion. Essentially, the caregiver listens, understands, and holds these emotions temporarily, enabling the person to eventually internalize a sense of stability and clarity. Containment fosters emotional safety, allowing healthier self-awareness and coping.