What is Regulation? Counselling in BC: South Surrey

What is regulation?

When therapists talk about “regulation”, we’re referring to the nervous system’s ability to move through different nervous system states. Regulation doesn’t mean staying calm all the time. It means being able to experience stress, anger, sadness, or excitement and return to a steady baseline.

When we are regulated, it doesn't mean we don't feel anything. We can be regulated but also feel emotions. It means we are within our window of tolerance. When we are completely overwhelmed or shut down, we are likely out of that window. But, for example, when we are feeling sad but can still feel some sturdiness in ourselves, we are likely still in our window.

Our different internal states can be something we start to gently track. How does my body feel right now? What might it need to come up or come down into my window?

Some cues you may be feeling regulated/in your window could include:

• feeling settled

• yawning

• feeling less urgency/more ease

• feeling clear

• feeling a sturdiness

Regulation isn’t about controlling yourself perfectly. It’s about building enough internal safety that emotions can move through without taking over. With practice and often with support, your nervous system can learn new patterns of steadiness and resilience.

If you are interested in working with regulation, please feel free to reach out to book a consultation HERE.