Understanding Alexithymia & Interoception

Today, I'll be discussing alexithymia, a term used to describe difficulty identifying and describing emotions.

Approximately one in 10 people experience this condition, but it doesn't mean they lack emotions; rather, they struggle to recognize and articulate their feelings.

As an occupational therapist, I'm more interested in exploring the underlying cause of alexithymia, and researchers have found that interoception plays a crucial role in this experience.

Interoception is a sense that allows us to feel internal sensations within our body, which, in turn, drive our emotional experiences. For example, I might notice a gnawing feeling in my stomach, indicating hunger, or a racing heart and tight chest, indicating anxiety.

By understanding interoception, we can delve deeper into the root cause of alexithymia and move beyond just the surface term. Language difficulty in describing emotions is also linked to interoception, as our internal sensations ground the concepts of emotions and feeling words.

If experiencing alexithymia or supporting someone who does, there are a few tips to consider.

First, get regulated by stabilizing the nervous system and creating a safe environment. Then, evoke and connect internal sensations through playful activities like games or everyday tasks like washing hands. Embrace the uniqueness of emotional experiences; there's no wrong way to feel, so explore your inner experience and clues to emotions uniquely for you.

Lastly, be kind to yourself and remember it's okay not to know exactly how you feel all the time; keep trying to connect with yourself, notice patterns, and link sensations to emotions.

Interoception research offers valuable insights into addressing alexithymia, encouraging us to look beyond the surface and discover the profound relationship between our internal sensations and emotional experiences.

Keep exploring and understanding yourself, as these interoceptive sensations hold powerful clues to your emotional journey.
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For more information, visit www.kelly-mahler.com

Interoceptive research - https://www.kelly-mahler.com/kellys-r...

The Interoception Curriculum Starter Bundle - https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

Check out some of our on-demand courses with some amazing co-presenters!

The Links Between Interoception, the Language of Emotion, and Human Connections: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...
Implementing a Neuro Affirming Model: Come Get Your Shift Together!: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

Interoception Through the Lens of an Autistic Adult: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

Unsafe, Unheard and Misunderstood: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

Interoception and the Non-Speaking Client: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

The 5 Keys to Behavior Regulation: How to Support ‘Challenging Behavior’ in a Kinder, More Effective Manner: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

Autism and Eating Disorders: Dying to be Thin: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/...

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