About HOLD
When life feels heavy, people often stay quiet.
Not because they want to — but because they’re afraid of judgment, burdening someone, or saying the “wrong” thing.
That silence can grow into overwhelm.
Anger.
Shame.
Loneliness.
At HOLD, we believe no one should have to carry their inner world alone.
BOOK NOWOur Mission and Purpose
At HOLD, our purpose is to create spaces where people feel understood and to teach the communication skills that make that possible. Through confidential, judgment-free listening and practical education in active listening and emotional intelligence, we help people find clarity, steadiness, and connection in both personal and professional settings. Our mission is to help people experience the power of truly being heard — and to share that skill in ways that strengthen every relationship and workplace we touch.
Meet Deb
I’m Deb Porter, the founder of HOLD and a professional listener with over 25 years of experience helping people feel understood, steady, and less alone. My work is rooted in deep presence, emotional clarity, and compassion — not advice or pressure.
If you’ve ever wished someone would simply listen so you could breathe again, you’re in the right place.
The Heart Behind HOLD
HOLD was born from years of sitting with people in some of their hardest moments — caring for a husband in the ICU, supporting families in funeral homes, listening to people in crisis, and seeing how often we all keep too much inside.
Again and again, the same truth was clear:
People aren’t looking for quick fixes.
They want to be heard.
They want a place where they don’t have to perform — a place where their emotions can be spoken without judgment, where someone listens so they can think clearly again.
That place became HOLD.
If you’re curious to hear more about the ideas and experiences that shaped HOLD — I’ve shared many of these perspectives in podcast conversations about listening, emotional intelligence, and communication.
You can explore those interviews here:
What Makes HOLD Different
At HOLD, listeners are not therapists or coaches.
We’re trained, steady, compassionate professionals who help you:
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Feel understood without being analyzed
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Talk freely without worrying how it sounds
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Sort through big feelings with more clarity
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Find calm, comfort, relief, and a sense of direction
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Take a breath and let your nervous system settle
Sometimes you just need someone who stays with you while you figure out what’s true for you.
That’s what HOLD provides.
Here's What Our Clients Are Saying...
"Your call yesterday--I can't even begin to tell you how much that meant to me. I can honestly tell you, it got me through the day. I appreciate it more than you may ever know. Thank you for listening. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING." (emphasis - client)
"Wow, I did not expect the sense of relief to be so immediate and tangible. Thank you!" - AMK
"This is an incredible service - the kind of thing that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it, and why you didn't think of it yourself! GREAT way to unload tough stuff you'd rather not divulge to someone you know." -Anonymous
If You’re Carrying Something Heavy,
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
A listening appointment can help you step out of the swirl and feel more grounded, steady, and understood.
Book a session when you’re ready.
You’re safe to be exactly where you are.
