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Window of Tolerance -An Essential Skill for PTSD, Trauma and Nervous System Regulation

Therapy in a Nutshell

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Exploring the Window of Tolerance and Techniques for Regulation

The window of tolerance varies among individuals, impacting how they handle stress and trauma. Trauma can shrink this window, making the nervous system more reactive. Resilience depletion factors like illness, stress, discrimination, and hunger can also decrease the window. However, the window of tolerance is not fixed and can be expanded through learning grounding, willingness, and cognitive skills, as well as self-care practices and building a support network. Engaging in challenging exercises within the growth zone and working with a skilled therapist are crucial for expanding the window. Therapists help individuals stay within their window by using grounding and cognitive skills. When stuck in hyperarousal, soothing techniques like grounding or cognitive skills are helpful, whereas gentle activation techniques such as laughter and movement are suggested to cope with hyperarousal.

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