This graphic is so helpful! We discussed this often in trauma therapy. It might be helpful with all the work we’re doing on self-regulation and co-regulation. This is part of Polyvagal Theory, which involves the regulating of the Vagus nerve. Posted @withregram • @creative.clinical.psychologist The window of tolerance is a term used to describe the level of arousal that is optimal for functioning. When we are within our windows, we are OK, we can think and cope with tasks. But when we move out of our windows into hyper or hypoarousal, rational and reflective capacity is switched off. Hyperarousal is associated with anger, aggression and expressing distress. Often what follows is a dip down into hypoarousal when we feel numb or spaced out. Or we can go straight into hypoarousal and people differ in what they more commonly do. Tgese states can be what we witness in common mental health issues- Hyper can be anxiety and anger and hypo can be low mood or depression. Everyone has a different sized window. Often children (and adults) who have had limited regulation experiences in childhood or trauma will have smaller windows. This can mean they lose control of rational thinking more easily than others and may become violent and aggressive more quickly. Others for whom that has been a dangerous response, may have developed patterns of going straight into hypoarousal. If you are with someone who has gone from hyper to hypoarousal very quickly, they may need some quiet time with someone, maybe a cuddle if that is OK for them and something sweet. Often caregivers will try and discuss incidents during this post escalation calm. But this is not wise because the thinking brain is not back online and reflective capacity will be limited. Wait until later on or the next day to follow up any learning. #windowoftolerance #traumatherapy #traumainformed #traumaticstress #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #ptsd #adoption #fostering #emotionalregulation #regulationactivities #traumarecovery #traumainformedschools #traumaawareness #dclinpsy #anger #therapeuticparenting #clinicalpsychologytraining #hypervigilance #hyperarousal #hypoarousal #adoptionandfostering https://www.instagram.com/p/CYvGl-pMnXX/?utm_medium=tumblr
