ABSTRACT
Phase- or stage-oriented psychotherapy was developed to support adults with complex trauma issues in engaging in treatment without becoming overwhelmed. A stage- or phase-oriented approach to adult treatment is included in both the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D) and the International Society for the Study of Traumatic Stress (ISSTS) treatment guidelines. The ISST-D Child and Adolescent Treatment Guidelines do not refer directly to stage- or phase-oriented psychotherapy but stress maintaining stability in functioning and an appropriate developmental trajectory. Dan Siegel refers to the brain as an "open, dynamic system", meaning that it is continually changing in response to interaction with its environment, including other brains. Dan Siegel refers to a "window of tolerance" for emotional stimuli. This window of tolerance describes each person's optimal range of emotion before becoming hyper- or hypoaroused.
