Somatic Interoception: Emerging Approach for Clients with Trauma

Event Title: Somatic Interoception: Emerging Approach for Clients with Trauma

Event Description: This presentation acts as an introduction and practice supplement to the use of somatic interoception. Skilled preparatory work provides a foundation for occupational participation and performance. Clients with a history of trauma benefit from preparatory work that builds neuroceptive regulation, sense of embodiment, and felt-safety. These factors are critical in the therapeutic process as they contribute to emotional and behavioral regulation and the integrations of new learning. This session explores somatic interoception as an approach to help prepare a client for the therapeutic process.

Date of Event: Monday, November 17th 

Time: 6:15pm - 7:45pm

Format: Presentation via Zoom

Speakers' Biographies:

Jessie Polzin, OTD, MOT, OTR/L. I am an educator and clinician within occupational therapy and specialize in proactive well-being and mental health rehabilitation. I received my MOT degree from the University of Minnesota in 2009 and completed my post-professional OTD from St. Catherine University in May 2025. Each year, I lead medical service trips to support trauma recovery for the 100+ children and staff at the Esperanza Viva orphanage in Puebla, Mexico. These children have a history of severe abuse, neglect, and trafficking, necessitating a therapeutic approach rooted in evidence-based neuroceptive regulation and somatic interoception. Once embodiment, regulation, and felt-safety are established, these children can build independence in occupational participation and performance.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key factors of a somatic interoceptive approach.
2. Relate neuroception to a somatic interoceptive approach.
3. Demonstrate interoceptive questioning in a sensory-based simulation.
4. Describe the importance of the Exposure and Regulation process when treating a client with a history of trauma.

Target Audience: OT

Education Level: Intermediate

Practice Area: Mental Health, Trauma Recovery, Trauma-informed Care

Contact Hours: 1.5

Fee: Free for MOTA Members, $30 for Non-MOTA Members.