Heart rate variability
The variation in the intervals between heartbeats — an indicator of the nervous system's flexibility.
What it means
Higher variability generally means a greater capacity to switch between effort and settling. Chronic stress, poor sleep and alcohol lower it.
Why it matters
Because it shows that settling isn’t only a feeling but a measurable bodily state — and that breath, movement and sleep affect it, not only thoughts.
See also
Disappointment
A collision between expectation and reality — unavoidable in relationships and not necessarily a sign of a mistake.
Phases of therapy
The sequence the process usually follows: establishing safety, working through, integrating and ending.
Consistency
Predictability of responses, which tells a child what they can expect.
