---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Holding or containing has cognitive and…"
description: "\"“Holding or containing has cognitive and affective components and includes a basic attitude of concern for oneself and the patient and a psychological ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb4/otto-f-kernberg-16898_psychology_holding-or-containing-has-cognitive-and_2059536.jpg"
---

#  Holding or containing has cognitive and affective…

![“Holding or containing has cognitive and affective components and includes a basic attitude of concern for oneself and the patient and a psychological openness to the unknown in others as well as in oneself.” quote by Otto F. Kernberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb4/otto-f-kernberg-16898_psychology_holding-or-containing-has-cognitive-and_2059536.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb4/otto-f-kernberg-16898_psychology_holding-or-containing-has-cognitive-and_2059536.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb4/otto-f-kernberg-16898_psychology_holding-or-containing-has-cognitive-and_2059536.jpg)

> ““Holding or containing has cognitive and affective components and includes a basic attitude of concern for oneself and the patient and a psychological openness to the unknown in others as well as in oneself.””

[Otto F. Kernberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/otto-f-kernberg/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Holding or containing involves both mental and emotional aspects, reflecting self‑care, patient care, and openness to unknown aspects in both self and others.

**In simple terms:** It means caring for yourself and others while staying open to uncertainty.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑compassion and empathetic openness.

Themes

psychology therapy self‑care empathy

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

clinical theoretical

When to use this quote

- clinical sessions
- personal growth
- support groups
- counseling
- mindfulness

Key Concepts

object relations containment affect regulation

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you balance self‑concern with concern for others?
- What practices help you stay open to uncertainty?

A Different Perspective

May be difficult when personal boundaries are threatened or when anxiety is high.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/)

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