There is controversy over holding too. I find that to be the worst thing I can do. It takes away any control the child has and it only ends when his energy is spent. For a child in a rage that can be hours. Remember, we said not to do anything to cause him to become angrier.
Holding can do that to some children.
Other children find holding to be a good way to calm down. It soothes them and makes them feel loved and safe. If you try it and your child becomes more agitated then perhaps it's not a good idea to keep on doing it. If the child starts to calm down you know you've found a winner. Whether an episode occurs, when, for how long, and how severe it is depends to a large degree on factors that are within the control of patient and family.