Interoceptive Exposure Therapy

Quick Overview

A snapshot of who this therapy is for and how it works

Best for

Panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, healthy anxiety, OCD with body-focused triggers

Session format

Individual or group · In person or virtual with guided practice

Typical cadence

Weekly or twice weekly

Duration

Typically 8–16 sessions, often as part of a structured ERP program

Often combined with

In Vivo Exposure, CBT, ACT, mindfulness practices, medication management

Evidence base

Well-supported by research for panic disorder and anxiety conditions

What Is Interoceptive Exposure Therapy

Interoceptive Exposure is a specialized form of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) designed to reduce fear of bodily sensations that often trigger panic or anxiety. Instead of avoiding sensations such as a racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath, clients intentionally recreate them in a safe, structured environment.

Examples include:

Dizziness Induction

Spinning in a chair to induce dizziness

Heart Rate Activation

Running in place to increase heart rate

Breath-Holding Exercise

Holding the breath briefly to mimic breathlessness

Air Hunger Simulation

Breathing through a straw to create air hunger

How Interoceptive Exposure Therapy Supports Recovery and Growth

Learning to trust your body again through gradual exposure

Reduces panic attacks

Teaches the body not to overreact to normal physical sensations

Breaks avoidance cycles

Helps individuals stop limiting their lives out of fear of symptoms

Retrains the brain-body connection

Helping individuals safely confront and retrain fear responses

Improves daily functioning

Restores freedom to exercise, socialize, travel, and engage fully in life

What to Expect in Interoceptive Exposure Therapy Sessions

Therapists guide clients through a structured process that teaches the body and mind to respond differently to fear-based sensations.

Education About Panic and the Fight-or-Flight System

Clients learn how the nervous system triggers symptoms and why avoidance intensifies them.

Identifying Feared Physical Sensations

Therapists and clients collaborate to pinpoint the sensations that trigger panic or worry.

Creating Exposure Exercises

Together, they design safe exercises that intentionally bring on sensations like dizziness, breathlessness, warmth, or heart pounding.

Guided Exposure Practice in Session

Clients experience the sensations while resisting avoidance, escape behaviors, or “safety rituals.” Over time, fear decreases naturally.

Homework for Real-World Progress

Clients repeat exposure exercises between sessions to reinforce learning and maintain progress.

Who Benefits from Interoceptive Exposure Therapy?

Support for individuals whose anxiety is triggered by physical sensations

Interoceptive Exposure is ideal for people whose fear centers around internal bodily experiences. It helps reduce panic cycles, restore daily functioning, and build confidence in facing uncomfortable sensations.

Individuals with Panic Disorder

Support for reducing fear of sensations such as heart racing or dizziness

People with Health Anxiety

Tools for tolerating and understanding normal bodily fluctuations

Individuals with OCD Related to Physical Triggers

Support for obsessions tied to bodily sensations or “contamination” feelings

People Avoiding Activities Due to Bodily Sensations

Interoceptive work helps individuals reclaim freedom in daily life.

Those with Generalized Anxiety Triggered by Physical Sensations

Therapy helps individuals remain steady in the face of internal stress cues.

Anyone Seeking to Understand and Rebuild Trust in Their Body

A safe, guided approach to reconnecting with physical sensations

Why TruPaths Highlights Interoceptive Exposure Therapy

TruPaths highlights this therapy because it is one of the most effective and most overlooked treatments for panic disorder and body-focused anxiety. By directly facing physical sensations rather than fearing them, clients regain confidence, freedom, and trust in their bodies.

FAQs About Interoceptive Exposure Therapy

Is it safe to intentionally bring on panic-like symptoms?

Yes. Exercises mimic normal bodily sensations, not medical emergencies, and are guided safely by trained therapists.

Can Interoceptive Exposure be practiced at home?

Yes, many interoceptive exercises can be safely practiced at home with therapist guidance.

Does Interoceptive Exposure actually stop panic attacks?

Yes, it helps reduce the fear of bodily sensations, which can significantly decrease panic attacks over time.

Is Interoceptive Exposure only for panic disorder?

No, it’s also used for anxiety, OCD, health anxiety, and other conditions involving feared sensations.

Do exposures start with the scariest sensations?

No, exposures begin gradually and build up as you become more comfortable.

Does insurance cover this therapy?

Many insurance plans cover interoceptive exposure as part of evidence-based anxiety treatment.

Find Recovery Options Offering Interoceptive Exposure Therapy

Your body is not the enemy. Interoceptive Exposure helps individuals face physical sensations with courage, reducing fear and restoring confidence.

Explore Programs Near You

About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.