Creating emergent spaces for mental health, where people feel valued and supported, is essential, especially when working with marginalized populations or groups navigating mental health challenges or trauma. Many of us are familiar with the concepts of safe spaces and brave spaces, which aim to foster connection and learning. However, these frameworks often have limitations, particularly for individuals with marginalized identities or lived experiences of trauma.
This is where the concept of emergent spaces provides a new perspective. Inspired by Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown, emergent spaces combine the best aspects of safe and brave spaces while emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and mutual growth.
For individuals like Hannah Lucas, co-creator of the mental health app NotOK, finding a space that truly understands mental health recovery can make all the difference. She shared, ‘When I found a space that really understood the complexities of mental health recovery, I felt like I wasn’t alone anymore. That space gave me hope to keep going.’
What Are the Differences Between Brave, Safe, and Emergent Spaces?
Understanding the differences between these frameworks highlights why emergent spaces are uniquely suited for mental health and trauma recovery. Below is a comparison of their key characteristics:
Brave Space
- Participants are encouraged to share and take risks.
- Emphasizes individual courage, which can unintentionally place emotional labor on marginalized or trauma-affected participants.
- There is a risk of harm if emotional safety or boundaries are not upheld.
- No readiness work is required, potentially leaving participants unprepared for sensitive discussions.
Emergent Space
- This space is co-created, emphasizing shared goals and mutual respect.
- It is trauma-informed and healing-centered, with activities designed to build trust and establish norms.
- It acknowledges power dynamics and cultural differences, encouraging participants to address privilege and biases.
- It promotes individual readiness work to ensure participants are prepared to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.
Safe Space
- The facilitator ensures a structured environment but may inadvertently set unrealistic expectations.
- Few spaces feel entirely safe for individuals from different cultural backgrounds or trauma histories.
- The fear of saying the “wrong” thing may limit engagement and learning opportunities.
- A lack of focus on preparation can lead to missteps when addressing trauma or diversity.
Why Emergent Spaces Work for Mental Health and Trauma
Emergent spaces combine the best elements of safe and brave spaces, offering a trauma-informed and healing-centered framework that recognizes the diverse needs of participants.
Jessica S., a recovery advocate, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in recovery spaces: ‘Being in a space where people respected not just my story but the ways trauma impacts my pace of healing was a game-changer. It showed me that healing doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.’
Here’s why they are ideal for mental health recovery:
- Focus on Building Trust
Emergent spaces prioritize building trust as a foundational element. From the start, the group collaboratively establishes norms through activities and discussions, creating an environment where participants feel seen and heard.
- Acknowledgment of Power Dynamics
By encouraging participants to reflect on privilege and biases, emergent spaces address power imbalances that can inadvertently harm marginalized or trauma-affected individuals. This process fosters a sense of equity and inclusivity.
- Trauma-Informed Practices
Emergent spaces integrate practices such as grounding exercises, clear communication, and a focus on personal agency. These elements allow participants to engage at their own pace and comfort level, making the space adaptable to varying needs.
- Building Readiness for Meaningful Engagement
Unlike safe or brave spaces, emergent spaces emphasize the importance of readiness work. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their emotional states and biases before engaging, ensuring that discussions are both productive and respectful.
How to Create an Emergent Space
As Kai Matthews, a community mental health volunteer, explained, ‘An adaptive space, one that shifts with the group’s needs, feels more human. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present and real.’ This sentiment underscores the importance of maintaining flexibility and openness in facilitation.
If you’re facilitating a group focused on trauma recovery or mental health, consider incorporating these practices:
- Co-create Group Agreements: Allow participants to contribute to the norms and expectations of the space.
- Begin with Trust-Building Activities: Dedicate initial sessions to exercises that foster connection and understanding.
- Acknowledge Cultural Contexts: Recognize and respect the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of participants.
- Check-In Regularly: Offer opportunities for participants to share how they’re feeling and address concerns as they arise.
- Maintain Flexibility: Adapt the space to meet the evolving needs of the group.
A Space for Healing and Growth
Emergent spaces are more than just frameworks—they provide opportunities to create environments where healing and growth can thrive. By embracing trauma-informed, inclusive practices and valuing collaboration, emergent spaces empower participants to explore their mental health journey with both safety and courage.
Whether you’re leading a yoga training, a recovery group, or a workshop, consider how the principles of emergent spaces can enhance your facilitation and better support the needs of all participants.
If this topic resonates with you, consider deepening your understanding by joining our 10-Week Stress and Trauma-Informed Care Series. This continuing education course provides a compassionate, evidence-based framework to support recovery while fostering resilience for yourself and those you serve.