Reestablishing the Brain–Body Connection: Interoception in the Treatment of Complex Trauma with EMDR - Part I
Tracks
Studio 2
| Saturday, June 6, 2026 |
| 11:00 - 12:30 |
| Studio 2 |
Overview
Suzana Guedes (Portugal)
Speaker
Suzana Guedes
212389920
Reestablishing the Brain–Body Connection: Interoception in the Treatment of Complex Trauma with EMDR - Part I
11:00 - 12:30Abstract
Authors
Suzana Guedes1
1Private Practice, Grupo Hospital Particular do Algarve, Alvor, Portimão, 8500-432, Portugal
Interoception refers to the capacity to direct attention inward and perceive the physiological condition of the body, a fundamental factor in self-regulation (Arnold, Winkielman & Dobkins, 2019). Disturbances in interoceptive processing are common across psychiatric conditions and in individuals with history of trauma, as trauma significantly impacts insular activity and the interoceptive system (Khalsa, Adolphs, Critchley et al., 2018; Simmons et al., 2013). This can lead to a disconnection between body sensations and conscious awareness (Pollatos et al., 2009; Schulz & Vogele, 2015). Individuals with trauma and dissociation, may experience symptoms ranging from disconnection to overwhelming somatic responses, and difficulties in recognizing and modulating emotional responses may activate rigid defenses, restrict access to memories, and contribute to slower, less effective clinical outcomes.
Understanding interoceptive alterations —and integrating interoceptive principles into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) standard protocol by refining treatment parameters—can restore brain–body integration and enhance trauma processing. As the relationship between interoception and trauma symptoms advances as a crucial research area, this workshop presents theoretical and practical foundations of interoception, its neurobiological bases, and its implementation within EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing model. Through theoretical exposition, live and recorded demonstrations, and experiential exercises, participants will deepen their understanding of interoceptive development, learn how enhanced interoceptive awareness can facilitate trauma and dissociative symptoms processing. This approach supports the restoration of disrupted brainbody connections and enhances the sense of safety. The workshop aims to contribute novel insights to existing EMDR mechanisms of action, particularly by integrating interoception.
Keywords: Interoception; EMDR; Trauma Processing; Adaptive Information Processing.
Learning Objectives:
-Define interoception and describe its neurobiological mechanisms relevant to complex trauma and self-regulation.
-Identify the impact of trauma on the insula and interoceptive processing systems.
-Practice assessing patients’ interoceptive awareness
-Understand where in the EMDR protocol to apply interoception principles to enhance the depth and effectiveness of complex trauma reprocessing.
-Integrate interoceptive awareness strategies to improve treatment outcomes in clients with complex trauma and dissociation.
Suzana Guedes1
1Private Practice, Grupo Hospital Particular do Algarve, Alvor, Portimão, 8500-432, Portugal
Interoception refers to the capacity to direct attention inward and perceive the physiological condition of the body, a fundamental factor in self-regulation (Arnold, Winkielman & Dobkins, 2019). Disturbances in interoceptive processing are common across psychiatric conditions and in individuals with history of trauma, as trauma significantly impacts insular activity and the interoceptive system (Khalsa, Adolphs, Critchley et al., 2018; Simmons et al., 2013). This can lead to a disconnection between body sensations and conscious awareness (Pollatos et al., 2009; Schulz & Vogele, 2015). Individuals with trauma and dissociation, may experience symptoms ranging from disconnection to overwhelming somatic responses, and difficulties in recognizing and modulating emotional responses may activate rigid defenses, restrict access to memories, and contribute to slower, less effective clinical outcomes.
Understanding interoceptive alterations —and integrating interoceptive principles into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) standard protocol by refining treatment parameters—can restore brain–body integration and enhance trauma processing. As the relationship between interoception and trauma symptoms advances as a crucial research area, this workshop presents theoretical and practical foundations of interoception, its neurobiological bases, and its implementation within EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing model. Through theoretical exposition, live and recorded demonstrations, and experiential exercises, participants will deepen their understanding of interoceptive development, learn how enhanced interoceptive awareness can facilitate trauma and dissociative symptoms processing. This approach supports the restoration of disrupted brainbody connections and enhances the sense of safety. The workshop aims to contribute novel insights to existing EMDR mechanisms of action, particularly by integrating interoception.
Keywords: Interoception; EMDR; Trauma Processing; Adaptive Information Processing.
Learning Objectives:
-Define interoception and describe its neurobiological mechanisms relevant to complex trauma and self-regulation.
-Identify the impact of trauma on the insula and interoceptive processing systems.
-Practice assessing patients’ interoceptive awareness
-Understand where in the EMDR protocol to apply interoception principles to enhance the depth and effectiveness of complex trauma reprocessing.
-Integrate interoceptive awareness strategies to improve treatment outcomes in clients with complex trauma and dissociation.
