Overcome Fear of PHYSICAL sensations
‘Interoceptive’ Exposure Practice
Exercise 4
Dizziness, light headedness, Tingling, Derealisation
ANXIOUS THOUGHTS
“There is something seriously wrong with me.”
ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE
These are common symptoms of anxiety – caused by the fight or flight response
‘HYPERVENTILATE’ for 2 minutes.
Whilst seated, breath deeply and RAPIDLY. Then stand up quickly.
DROP SAFETY BEHAVIOURS
ie. Don’t sit or lie down afterwards. Don’t try to hold on to anything. Don’t hold your head or close your eyes – etc
OBSERVE
The effects of anticipatory anxiety, misinterpretation, catastrophisation and changes in the degree of belief in the old thoughts as you implement your alternative perspective.
REFLECT
ie. Nothing bad happened, my heart can beat rapidly without any problem. To begin with I noticed that my anxiety caused my heart to beat faster.