We’re usually only taught about the five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—but did you know we actually have eight? In addition to the traditional five, we also have proprioception (body awareness), vestibular sense (balance and movement), and interoception (internal body awareness). Interoception is considered the eighth sense.

Interoception is the body’s ability to recognize and interpret internal signals, such as hunger, thirst, the need to use the restroom, temperature changes, and connect them to emotions. Everyone has interoceptive awareness, but for some, it may be too high or too low.

• Low Interoceptive Awareness – This can make it difficult to recognize physical needs, such as feeling hungry, thirsty, or needing to rest. Some people may not notice pain or fatigue until it becomes overwhelming.
• High Interoceptive Awareness – This can lead to hyper-focusing on bodily sensations, mistaking sensations as symptoms of illness, or confusing anxiety with physical urges. It can create a sense of discomfort and distress when bodily sensations are misinterpreted.

Many neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD, experience challenges with interoceptive awareness. One of the primary reasons for difficulty with interoceptive awareness is masking—the process of suppressing natural behaviors, emotions, and physical responses to fit into societal expectations.

When someone masks for an extended period, they may become disconnected from their body’s natural signals, leading to alexithymia—difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions. This disconnect can make self-care challenging and contribute to emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and burnout.

When we struggle to recognize our body’s signals, we may:

By improving interoceptive awareness, individuals can reconnect with their body’s cues, allowing them to meet their needs before reaching a state of distress.

Yes! Occupational therapists (OTs) often work on interoceptive awareness, but mental health therapists also have the training, tools, and resources to support this process. Therapy can help individuals explore:

• Mindfulness & body-based awareness exercises
• Sensory regulation strategies tailored to their unique needs
• Emotional processing techniques to bridge the gap between body sensations and emotions
• Unmasking strategies to rebuild trust in the body’s signals

Reconnecting with your body’s signals is an essential part of self-regulation, emotional balance, and overall well-being. If you’re looking for support with interoceptive awareness and emotional regulation, we’re here to help.

📞 Schedule a Session: Contact us to start your journey toward better mind-body connection.

📚 Learn More about Interoception here