Window of Tolerance

This week, Leonne interviews Phoenix Blickle, a nurse with the Multnomah Education Service District working in two elementary schools. In the episode, Phoenix explains the window of tolerance. Coined by a neuropsychiatrist named Dan Siegel in a 1999 book, the window of tolerance describes the mental/emotional states where we’re able to function at our best. When you’re within your window of tolerance you can experience all the ups and downs of life while being grounded and present. Phoenix also explains what it looks like when we're out of our window of tolerance. In this model, dysregulation is seen as either “hyperarousal” or “hypoarousal” and is related to one’s fight, flight, or freeze response. Phoenix and Leonne also discuss strategies to help students navigate their window of tolerance, starting with noticing our own state and helping students notice what state they’re in. The window of tolerance also has a broader reach into activist spaces. 

 

Resources:

Window of Tolerance Overview (5 minute video) - Sophie C

Practices for returning to your window of tolerance (all ages) - Dr. Laura K. Kerr

Window of tolerance as a river - supports and practices for children - Government of Jersey Psychology and Wellbeing Service 

Window of tolerance as a rainbow (all ages) - Lindsay Braman