Susan Yun Counselling

Explaining to my client about this theory of the ‘Window of Tolerance’ is an important part of my practice. Always good to remind!

We all have a window of tolerance. Sometimes our ability to tolerate things is big. We can handle a lot. Sometimes our window is only cracked or feels completely closed. These are days we cannot tolerate much.

When we get out of our window, we can become hyper-aroused, meaning anxious, energetic, and moving quick without intention. Or we can become hypo-aroused, meaning slow, down, depressed, tired, or numb.

When we use the theory of the window, we can assess how much we can tolerate and move about our day accordingly. We can also use tools to help us get back into our window or make the window wider. My tools include alone time, walking, exercising, reading, or talking with a very close friend. Being super social, around lots of noise, or enmeshed in clutter are sure ways to kick me out of my window or not allow me to get back in.

I encourage you to use the window of tolerance to bring awareness to your own life and how you function. I find this theory helpful and tangible. I hope you do too!

The Window of Tolerance theory is developed by Dr. Dan Siegel.