The Window of Tolerance

According to Dan Siegal (1999) and Pat Ogden et all (2006), The Window of Tolerance refers to the “zone you can be in when your emotions are balanced and controlled, and you are thinking clearly and rationally.”

Being outside The Window of Tolerance results in some clients being hyper-aroused and some to become hypo-aroused. Siegal and Ogden describe symptoms of chronic hyper-arousal as “feeling emotionally overwhelmed, panic, impulsivity, hyper-vigilance, defensiveness, feeling unsafe, reactive, angry and racing thoughts.” For clients who have a trauma history, regulating their emotions and remaining in the present can be quite challenging.

Siegal and Ogden describe symptoms of chronic hypo-arousal as “numb, ‘dead’, passive, no feelings, no energy, can’t think, disconnected, shut down ‘not there’ ashamed and can’t say no.” These symptoms can lead to clients to collapse and at times to dissociate.

Clients with a trauma history can respond outside their Window of Tolerance with minor distress, traumatic memories, daily stressors, challenging emotions and real or perceived threats to their safety.

Teaching a variety of grounding skills and mindfulness can support clients to expand their Window of Tolerance. Some clients benefit from creating a peaceful place, using a container for challenging emotions. Others benefit from tapping and the butterfly hug and some prefer grounding themselves in the room with warm water or tea. Diaphragmatic or square breathing exercises as well walking, yoga and music are also helpful for some clients.

Anne Grisham-Pleas: I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Seattle. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and my Certificate in Addiction Studies from Seattle University in 1991. I earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling from Seattle University in 1998. I am n EMDR therapist and a Certified Trauma therapist. I have worked in private practice; substance use disorder and mental health agencies for 32 years.