Here's how you can handle your emotions in high-pressure Facilitation situations.

Some of my professional clients and I, have been discussing and strategising around this issue. My advice to my female doctor client: "Bring the stressful and emotional issues to our sessions, I don't mind you weeping" Sometimes weeping is misinterpreted by male colleagues, as weakness. Some of my colleagues, and clients, weep because they are angry, and they know they will not be listened to if they express their anger, so the weeping is about frustration rather than weakness!. Again my theme: Find a supportive mentor who believes in you, and who is committed to your professional growth. Such a person, grows our resilience.

anticipating reactions and preparing strategies in advance, individuals can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. This proactive approach enhances overall well-being and effectiveness in both personal and professional settings.

Recognizing emotions triggers is essential for facilitators to manage their reactions, responses and behaviors in high-pressure situations as understanding triggers can help to navigate emotions landscape more effectively. Facilitators can also minimize such situations through planning, prioritizing and picking their battles

Understanding what might increase the heat of a conversation is crucial. Before going into a session that has complex dynamics, I make sure to do my homework and trust building through a survey or 1:1 prep conversations from a few different parties to help me better attune to the dynamics I’m navigating and holding. Additionally, I may ask participants at the top of the meeting to write anything I should know or things they want to check at the door on an index card. This helps me tend to the invisible needs of the group.

In high-pressure facilitation situations, staying present is crucial. One effective strategy is to prepare thoroughly beforehand by understanding the participants, objectives, and potential challenges. I focus on active listening and deep breathing. When emotions run high or tensions arise I calmly say: "Let's take a moment to hear each perspective fully." By summarizing their points and validating their concerns, I create a space where everyone felt heard. Setting a supportive tone at the outset and being transparent about the goals and process helped mitigate pressure and foster a collaborative atmosphere.

As far as I experienced, Mindfulness techniques help maintain focus, allowing thoughtful responses rather than impulsive reactions.

Accurately labelling what you’re feeling and going one step further to share that - with your participants - models to the room how you’re showing up. It also invites them to handle their feelings and emotions in this way too. In sensitive and challenging workshops it’s entirely human to respond with high emotion. Taking a break from the activities/agenda/timeline as needed and creating a space to feel these feelings is important and worth delaying the agenda ad hoc.

A centering practice. How well you hold space is directly connected to how centered, grounded, and present you are. Before we begin, I find an empty hallway or room and do some breath work and a centering practice. I have even made my own little ritual and visualization. While mine comes from the somatic coaching world, any practice that shifts from the bustle of set-up to presence is helpful. The more anchored you are, the more possibilities are available to you as a facilitator

SUPERVISION!!!! As a facilitator I can't recommend this enough. Find a supervisor who you work with on a regular basis. This is a space for you to discuss your facilitation practise, where things are going well, what works, your challenges. Talking through these things will help you when triggered in a session