Recognizing and Supporting Trauma
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Excerpt: Helping Helpers - Session 3
Section: Trauma - Recognizing and Supporting Trauma
Speakers: Cathy Loerzel
Understanding the Window of Tolerance in Trauma Work
When addressing trauma, it's crucial to be aware of the Window of Tolerance. This concept refers to the optimal zone of arousal in which a person can function effectively and remain calm and regulated. Here's a breakdown of what it means and how to navigate it.
The Window of Tolerance
Staying Present and Regulated
Within the Window of Tolerance, individuals can stay present, calm, and connected to their emotional and physiological responses. This is the ideal state for processing trauma.
Hypoarousal: When the Body Shuts Down
Recognizing Hypoarousal
Hypoarousal occurs when a person becomes disengaged or dissociative. Signs include a blank stare, a distant look, or seeming disconnected from the conversation.
Responding to Hypoarousal
When someone is in a hypoarousal state, it’s important to:
Acknowledge Their State: Gently recognize that they seem to have “left the building” and reassure them that it's okay.
Offer Options: Provide the option for them to come back to the conversation or address whatever might be occupying their mind or body.
Hyperarousal: When Emotions Flood
Recognizing Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal involves an elevated emotional state where the person may experience increased heart rate, sweating, intense emotions, or crying. It’s important to differentiate between regulated crying and dysregulated crying.
Responding to Hyperarousal
When someone is in a hyperarousal state, you should:
Slow Down: Avoid pushing further into the traumatic content. Instead, help them calm down.
Use Grounding Techniques: Engage in deep breathing exercises or other grounding techniques to help them return to the Window of Tolerance.
Balancing Between Hypoarousal and Hyperarousal
Watch for Fluctuations
It's essential to be vigilant if someone oscillates between hypoarousal and hyperarousal. This can indicate that they are struggling to stay within their Window of Tolerance.
Take Breaks
When you notice these fluctuations:
Pause the Conversation: Allow their body and mind to re-regulate.
Reassess Your Role: Consider whether you are equipped to handle their trauma work and if they might need professional support.
The Importance of Compassion and Boundaries
Know Your Limits
Remember, you are not a therapist. Understanding your boundaries and knowing when to take a step back is crucial to prevent causing further trauma.
Offer Kindness
More than anything, approach the person with kindness and compassion. Offer a safe space where they feel seen and supported without pushing them beyond their capacity to cope.
By staying attuned to these signs and respecting the Window of Tolerance, you can help individuals navigate their trauma with greater safety and care.
The Share the Struggle Helping Helpers Course is designed for helpers & leaders both formally (pastors, small group leaders) and informally (family, friends, volunteers), giving a practical and safe framework for coming alongside someone well in the middle of their struggle(s). The Share the Struggle L.E.S.S. (Listen, Explore, Share, Support) framework equips helpers with the tools for active listening, root cause exploration, 3-story discipleship, and when to involve other forms of support. Furthermore, helping helpers walks listeners through the specific considerations and tools for helping someone through anxiety, shame, trauma, miscarriage, pornography addiction, grief, eating disorders, and suicide prevention.
Share The Struggle Courses
Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey).
What Share The Struggle Believes
Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.
We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.
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