22/09/2026
Why can you cope with something one day, but the very same thing feels overwhelming another day?
Our capacity isnāt fixed. Sleep, pain, stress, relationships, previous experiences and whatās happening around us can all influence how much we have available.
I created this Window of Capacity as a way of thinking about that ā particularly in my work with people living with chronic or persistent pain.
Being within our capacity doesnāt mean being calm or comfortable. We can experience pain, anxiety, frustration, excitement or tiredness and still have flexibility and choice in how we respond.
As we move towards the edge, that flexibility can narrow.
That isnāt failure. Itās information.
In my Chronic Pain Recovery work, I use Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) alongside contemporary pain science, movement and body awareness. This can be particularly relevant when neuroplastic or nociplastic processes may be contributing to persistent symptoms, including for some people living with conditions such as fibromyalgia or migraine.
Part of this work can involve gently exploring sensation differently: What does this actually feel like? Does it change? Can I move with it? Can I notice discomfort alongside something comfortable or neutral?
This isnāt about pushing through pain or suggesting pain isnāt real. Pain is real. Itās about exploring whether discomfort always has to mean danger.
š Swipe for two recent experiences of my Chronic Pain Recovery and PRT work.
My thinking has been influenced by my training and clinical work, including Dr. Dan Siegel Window of Tolerance and recent thought-provoking reflections on capacity from Tracey Windmill
The graphic brings my own knowledge, experience and thinking together with the creativity of AI. š¤
Chronic Pain Recovery | Laddingford, Tunbridge Wells The Spring Rooms + online