The Stress Tracker Slider: Somatic Status Pads

Visualizing the Nervous System in Real-Time.

One of the greatest challenges in clinical work is the "Somatic Lag"—the moment a client becomes flooded or dissociated before they (or the clinician) can identify the shift.

The Stress Tracker Slider is a physical externalization tool designed to bridge this gap. Built for use with the IQ-Engine framework, these specialized displacement pads turn the abstract "Window of Tolerance" into a tactile, non-verbal interface for somatic monitoring.

Somatic Grounding via Narrative Displacement

Unlike standard "mood charts," the Stress Tracker Slider is designed to be used during the narrative quest. It allows the client to communicate their internal state without breaking the "Avatar's Alibi," maintaining the therapeutic flow while ensuring safety.

• Non-Verbal Communication: Clients move a physical indicator (or a secondary sticky) up and down the gauge to signal arousal levels.

• The Window of Tolerance: Explicit color-coding for Red (Hyper-arousal), Green (Optimal Zone), and Blue (Hypo-arousal/Shutdown).

• State Alignment: Optimized for use during Phase I: Check-In to establish a baseline and Phase III: The Quest to monitor resilience.

Why It Is an "Expert" Tool

1. Immediate Somatic Feedback

By sticking the slider to the side of a monitor (telehealth) or the edge of a desk (in-person), the clinician can observe physiological shifts in real-time. This allows for immediate "Regulate" actions before the client reaches the point of being "Flooded."

2. Evidence-Based Utility

The pads are designed to support insurance-grade charting requirements for Somatic Grounding and Self-Regulation Training. It provides tangible proof of a client’s ability to monitor their own nervous system.

3. Telehealth & Office Versatility

The 3x3 adhesive backing allows the pad to be mounted anywhere—on a laptop, a tablet, or the Hero’s Ledger. For telehealth practitioners, it provides a shared visual language that translates perfectly through a webcam.

Product features:
- Bright, crisp full-color printing for clear stress-scale indicators
- 75.2 gsm white uncoated paper—smooth, writable surface
- One printed side with the same design on all 50 sheets
- Includes branded Post-it® backing and 3M adhesive for reliable stick
- Available in seven sizes; each pad assembled in the USA