By:  Amanda Covalt, LCSW

EMDRIA Consultant

Window of Tolerance

Window of Tolerance is the window in which one can tolerate distressing emotions and use coping skills effectively. Distress can be subjective and some people cannot tolerate positive and/or negative emotions so when they experience these emotions, they become outside their window of tolerance. This window is important when performing trauma work because when one is outside their window of tolerance they are unable to process or cope with distressing emotions and memories. It is often necessary to take time for preparation prior to trauma work to increase window of tolerance to prevent dysregulation and retraumatization.

What does it mean to be outside the Window of Tolerance?

So how do we know when one is outside their window of tolerance? This window falls between hyper- and hypoarousal. When someone is in hyperarousal they are in fight or flight. They may be agitated, angry or anxious. They may be reactive,...