Know Thyself. The Role of Interoception in Therapy

Consider the feeling you might have when you step on stage, perhaps for a big presentation or speech. Think back to the school talent show, with weeks of preparation culminating in one performance.  For many, standing in the spotlight means a momentary rush of discomfort. Your heartrate may elevate, or for some, cheeks flush as body temperature increases. Interoception is a learned skill that allows us to identify those body signals and translate them into feelings.  This powerful sensory system that allows us to interpret internal body signals as impactful, emotional experiences. 

When we tune into them, our body’s physical signals serve as a compass, guiding us as we interact with the world around us. Interoception, as we see it in therapy, is an important superpower that enables us to better know our bodies. How do you feel, what do you feel and when is enough…enough? The power lies in our choice based on assessing that information. 

This is a primary goal in our sessions at Thrive, and communicating how we feel in the moment unlocks critical agency. Movement supporting reflex integration should lead to deeper awareness in therapy, and by actively participating in a response, my clients gain an understanding of their bodily connections. They also learn to set important internal boundaries. 

When I work with other professionals, regardless of their modality or discipline, we employ interoception in practice for deeper therapeutic connections, and results.