The importance of being contained : Kylie, for whom nothing could be held

Containment is a vital part of being able to feel that I am "me." When I feel "contained and "held all together," my world feels like a safe place, and I know where I belong, and that it is okay for me to be there. Whatever happens, when things start to fall apart, I know there will be someone who will be able to help me "hold it together." This would be the experience of a child who has been fortunate enough to have a consistent, competent adult, who watches over him, making sure that he remains within safe limits, both physically and emotionally. For those children who have not been so fortunate, who have not had someone ready to step in to hold things together for them, the world can feel disorganized and unsafe, and they can feel they are "all over the place" on the inside.