Program Overview
This program introduces MABT methodology and techniques to facilitate development and increased capacity for interoceptive awareness. Following a protocol designed for implementation of MABT in research, this program teaches practitioners to introduce the fundamental skills of interoception using touch; mindfulness skills of presence, curiosity and self-compassion; and education.
This training approach is sequenced to facilitate learning and involves the following three stages that build on one another:
- The first stage focuses on the development of body literacy (the ability to identify and describe sensory awareness)
- The second stage focuses on facilitating client access to inner body sensations through exercises involving breath and inner attention.
- The third stage focuses on mindful attention to specific regions of the body with the goal of developing the capacity for sustained mindful attention and using a guided process to enhance awareness of inner sensations.
MABT is a trauma-informed approach that involves careful attention to presence and pacing to match the client's individual learning and experiential process. In addition to the specific aspects of MABT for teaching interoceptive awareness, students practice techniques to develop sensitive hands, an open heart, and the inner stillness needed to apply this work. This class is a prerequisite to advanced training components needed for MABT certification.