Interoception

according to current research, where do interoceptive and emotional signals go in the brain?

insular cortex, located adjacent to the thalamus

insular cortex

responsible for processing information related to sensation

• sensations and anticipated sensations drive behavior/urge for action

interoceptive awareness

ability to identify, access, understand and respond appropriately to the patterns of internal signals

interoception

perception of sensations inside the body

• include heartbeat, respiration, satiety, thirst, hunger, tense muscles, emotions

bi-directional communication between bodily sensations and brain

• integrating body sensations, cognitive processes and emotional feeling

mindful awareness in body oriented therapy (MABT)

teach identifying, accessing and appraising internal bodily signals of interoception to achieve emotional regulation

awareness

perception of internal sensations

self-efficacy and interoception

client’s confidence in their ability to focus on a sensation, to sustain or control attention to sensation, and make change

appraisal and interoception

involves evaluation of situation / experience so our response to the situation / experience is changed

• interoceptive awareness leads to positive change and adaptive reappraisal processes → emotional regulation

interoceptive dysregulation

lack of ability to detect, appraise or respond to interoceptive signals

• mental health disorders can include:

  • mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, OCD, panic

interoceptive dysregulation in anxiety disorders

result in increased focus and sensitivity to interoceptive stimuli

interoception is the starting point for what?

self-regulation

body talk

label the way the body feels during daily activities

build body curiosity

teach client to notice how their body feels during daily activities

self-regulation and interoception

body wants to maintain homeostasis

• unpleasant feelings are the most common reason for seeking medical care

what are the steps of effective emotion regulation?

1. accurately detect and evaluate physiological cues from stressful events

2. apply appropriate regulation strategies

3. regulate an emotional response

emotional dysregulation

• emotional response is out of proportion or inappropriate to stimulus

  • disrupting wellbeing, health, social connection, self-efficacy and occupational engagement

  • ineffective communication between body, thoughts, feelings

    • miscommunication of signals from the body

    • poor management of sensations and related behavioral responses

step one of mindful awareness in body-oriented therapy

identify and describe body sensations

step 2 of mindful awareness in body-oriented therapy

interoceptive exercises

• focus on movement of breath

• intentionally attend to softening an area that is holding tension

step three of mindful awareness in body-oriented therapy

focus on attending to a variety of sensory experiences

what are some challenges to interoceptive awareness?

• interoceptive learning varies by individual

• multiple barriers to bringing attention to the body