Window of Tolerance: what it means
What the window of tolerance is, how to recognize it in a session, and how to explain it in plain language to clients.
Dit artikel hoort bij: Somatic Concepts Explained: A Glossary for Therapists
What the window of tolerance precisely is
The term comes from Dan Siegel. Above the window is hyperarousal, too much activation, panic, anger, inability to sit still. Below the window is hypoarousal, too little activation, emptiness, dissociation, being unreachable. Within the window, there is a capacity to explore challenging topics without getting lost in them. The window is not a fixed size, trauma shrinks it, regulation and connection expand it.
In practice
A client who starts laughing in a tone that doesn't fit the story just before a conversation about her mother is likely already above the window. Continuing to talk about the mother increases activation. Pausing, feeling her feet, breathing together, brings her back. Only within the window is there space to explore further.
Common mistake
Many new therapists think that a strong emotional reaction means the work is deep. Sometimes it is, often it isn't. Tears within the window are integration. Tears above the window are overwhelm that re-traumatizes the system. You recognize the difference by eye contact, breathing, and presence, not by intensity.
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Veelgestelde vragen
How do I know if my client is within or outside the window?
Three signals, eye contact, breathing, and speech. Within the window, eye contact remains possible, breathing is calm, and speech is coherent. Outside the window, one of these three disappears.
Can I expand the window?
Yes, that is an important goal of therapy. Repeated experiences of near-overwhelm that are brought back to regulation increase tolerance. This happens slowly and requires patience.
What alternative term can I use?
'Zone where everything fits', 'room for play', or 'the place where you feel without getting lost in it'. Window of tolerance is a term, not the explanation itself.