Embodied Cognition and the Direct Induction of Affect as a Compliment to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Abstract

We make the case for the possible integration of affect experience induced via embodiment techniques with CBT for the treatment of emotional disorders in clinical settings. Theoretically we propose a possible integration of cognitive behavioural theory, neuroscience, embodied cognition and important processes of client change outcomes such as the therapeutic alliance to enhance client outcomes. We draw from evidence of bidirectional effects between embodiment modes of bottom-up (sensory-motor simulations giving rise to important basis of knowledge) and top-down (abstract mental representations of knowledge) processes such as CBT in psychotherapy. The paper first describes the dominance and success of CBT for the treatment of a wide range of clinical disorders. Some limitations of CBT, particularly for depression are also outlined. There is a growing body of evidence for the added value of experiential affect-focused interventions combined with CBT. Evidence for the embodied model of cognition and emotion is reviewed. Advantages of embodiment is highlighted as a complimentary process model to deepen the intensity and valence of affective experience. It is suggested that an integrated embodiment approach with CBT enhances outcomes across a wide range of emotional disorders. A description of our embodiment method integrated with CBT for inducing affective experience, emotional regulation, acceptance of unwanted emotions and emotional mastery is given. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance as a critical component of the change process. The paper ends with a case study highlighting some clinical strategies that may aid the therapist to integrate embodiment techniques in CBT that can further explore in future research on affective experience in CBT for a wider range of clinical disorders.

Decreased Emotional Dysregulation Following Multi-modal Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (3MDR): Identifying Driving Factors in Remediation of Treatment-Resistant PTSD

“…Cognitive-affective and motor systems are functionally interconnected, and subconsciously influence one another (Oppezzo and Schwartz, 2014;Pietrzak et al, 2018;van Gelderen et al, 2018). Body language and motor actions are thought to impact cognitive perception and emotional valence.…”

“…Resolution of cognitive dissonance recruits self-mediating and emotionallyregulating regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus (Kitayama et al, 2013). Directionality of movement can also impact appraisal of stimuli to shift more positively or negatively (Pietrzak et al, 2018). Therefore, it is hypothesized that the walking approach during 3MDR towards a traumatogenic stimulus may induce a positive shift in appraisal and divergent thinking, reducing avoidance and intensity of negative emotions and perceptions.…”

“…Cognitive-motor stimulation has previously been studied in relation to ER. Pietrzak et al (2018) addressed ED through controlling breathing patterns, speech tone and content, and posture during CBT. Consequently, stimulating neural networks linking cognitive-affective and sensorimotor function during 3MDR may elevate ER through this proprioceptive feedback.…”

Embodied Decision-Making Style: Below and Beyond Cognition

“…People are biologically wired not just to think, but also to determine when, why, and how to act in relation to changing internal and external physical, emotional and social surroundings. There is an inherent “sensorimotor coupling” between person and environment that defines the essence of embodied cognition 1 , as expressed as changes in observable indicators such as facial expressions, postures, and gestures (Pietrazak et al, 2018 ). With respect to decision making, we are seeing a current of recognition of the essential role of sensorimotor processes as not just a supporter of cognition, but rather as a foundation for all the coordinated physical and mental activities that go into how we make decisions (Connors et al, 2018a ).…”

Using bodily postures in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: Effects of power posing on interoception and affective states

“…In contrast, bottom‐up processing refers to the direct reactivity of emotion‐generative brain regions without active recruitment of higher‐order brain areas (Westbrook et al, 2013). Embodiment interventions are nonverbal, experiential techniques that use the posture and the movement of the body as a way to generate emotions, thereby strongly relying on mechanisms of bottom‐up processing (Pietrzak, Lohr, Jahn, & Hauke, 2018).…”