MOD109 – Mind-body Bridging Therapy

Definition

Mind-Body Bridging Therapy is a mindfulness-based approach to emotional healing and self-awareness that integrates principles of neuroscience, somatic psychology, and meditation. This therapeutic modality aims to help individuals regulate emotions, resolve trauma, and foster resilience and well-being by bridging the gap between mental processes and physical sensations.

Explanation

Mind-Body Bridging Therapy is a holistic approach that addresses the interconnectedness of mental and physical experiences. Practitioners guide clients through experiential exercises and mindfulness practices to cultivate present-moment awareness, develop a compassionate witness perspective, and establish a sense of safety and connection within the body-mind system. The therapy emphasises the integration of body sensations, emotions, and thoughts to promote healing and personal growth.

Central to this approach is the concept of the ‘Identity System’, which represents habitual patterns of thinking and reacting that can contribute to stress and emotional distress. By learning to recognise and disengage from these patterns, clients can access a more balanced and resilient state of being, often referred to as the ‘Natural State’.

The therapy incorporates various techniques, including body scanning, mindful breathing, and ‘mapping’ exercises that help individuals identify and release tension held in the body. These practices aim to enhance self-regulation skills, allowing clients to navigate challenging emotions and experiences more effectively.

Mind-Body Bridging Therapy also focuses on developing metacognitive awareness, enabling individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them. This skill is particularly valuable in managing stress, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.

The approach is adaptable and can be applied in various settings, including individual therapy, group sessions, and self-help practices. It has shown promise in addressing a range of issues, from everyday stress management to more complex trauma recovery.

By fostering a deeper connection between mind and body, this therapy supports individuals in developing greater emotional resilience, improved self-awareness, and enhanced overall well-being. The ultimate goal is to empower clients with tools and insights that they can apply independently in their daily lives, promoting long-term healing and personal growth.

Evidence to Efficacy

Mind-Body Bridging Therapy has demonstrated promising efficacy in addressing a range of psychological and physiological concerns, as evidenced by several studies and clinical observations.

Research conducted by Lutovac et al. (2022) explored the impact of Mind-Body Bridging (MBB) on university students’ professional identity development. The findings revealed that MBB helped students enhance their self-confidence, self-awareness, and social relationships, while also improving their ability to cope with work-related stress. This study highlights the potential of MBB in fostering personal and professional growth in educational settings.

A randomised controlled trial by Nakamura et al. (2013) investigated the effects of MBB on cancer survivors experiencing sleep disturbances. The results showed that participants who received MBB reported lower sleep disturbance symptoms compared to those in the control group. Additionally, the MBB group demonstrated reductions in depression symptoms and improvements in overall levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, and well-being. These findings suggest that MBB can be an effective intervention for addressing both sleep issues and associated psychological concerns in cancer survivors.

Further evidence of MBB’s efficacy comes from studies involving veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nakamura et al. (2011) found that MBB practice improved sleep quality by reducing sleep disturbance and PTSD symptoms while increasing mindfulness and reducing depression, fatigue, and pain. This research underscores the potential of MBB as a holistic approach to addressing complex trauma-related symptoms.

In the realm of addiction treatment, a study by Nakamura et al. (2015) revealed that MBB significantly reduced drug and alcohol cravings, trauma-related thinking, and disturbed sleep in individuals struggling with addiction. Simultaneously, participants experienced increases in mindfulness, self-compassion, and overall well-being, suggesting that MBB can be a valuable tool in supporting recovery and promoting emotional resilience.

The effectiveness of MBB extends to the field of domestic violence prevention as well. Research by Tollefson et al. (2009, 2015) indicated that MBB reduced recidivism rates and increased treatment compliance among domestic violence perpetrators, highlighting its potential in promoting behavioural change and improving interpersonal relationships.

These studies collectively demonstrate the versatility and efficacy of Mind-Body Bridging Therapy in addressing a wide range of psychological and physiological concerns. By fostering greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mind-body connection, MBB offers a promising approach to enhancing overall well-being and quality of life for individuals facing various challenges.

Neuroscience and Physiology

Mind-Body Bridging (MBB) engages multiple neurophysiological systems to promote healing and well-being. This innovative approach taps into the intricate connections between the mind and body, leveraging neuroscientific principles to foster positive change.

At the neurological level, MBB activates the prefrontal cortex, a region crucial for executive functions and self-regulation. By engaging in MBB practices, individuals enhance their metacognitive abilities, strengthening the neural pathways associated with self-awareness and emotional regulation. This increased prefrontal activity leads to improved top-down processing, allowing for more flexible and adaptive responses to stressors.

Simultaneously, MBB influences the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions. The practice helps modulate amygdala activity, reducing its hyperresponsiveness to perceived threats. This neurological shift results in decreased anxiety and a more balanced emotional state.

The physiological effects of MBB extend to the autonomic nervous system. By promoting a state of relaxation, MBB activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This activation leads to reduced heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and improved digestion, creating an overall state of calm and well-being.

On a chemical level, MBB practices stimulate the release of neurotransmitters associated with positive mood and relaxation. The production of serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) increases, contributing to feelings of contentment and reduced stress. Additionally, the practice lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with chronic stress, further promoting a state of balance within the body.

Interestingly, the effects of MBB can be understood through the lens of quantum physics. The practice aligns with the concept of quantum coherence, where the mind and body achieve a state of harmonious vibration. This coherence facilitates the flow of information and energy throughout the body-mind system, enhancing overall functioning and resilience.

MBB also influences epigenetic expression, potentially altering how genes are read and expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence. This epigenetic modulation contributes to long-term changes in stress response and overall health.

The practice of mind-body mapping in MBB engages neural networks associated with interoception – the perception of internal bodily sensations. By enhancing interoceptive awareness, individuals develop a more nuanced understanding of their physical and emotional states, leading to improved self-regulation and emotional intelligence.

Furthermore, MBB impacts the default mode network (DMN), a set of brain regions active during self-referential thinking and mind-wandering. The practice helps individuals disengage from ruminative thought patterns associated with an overactive DMN, promoting a more present-focused state of awareness.

In essence, Mind-Body Bridging creates a synergistic effect across multiple neurophysiological systems. By engaging higher-order cognitive processes, modulating emotional responses, and promoting physiological balance, MBB offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing mental and physical well-being. This integrative method harnesses the power of the mind-body connection, paving the way for profound healing and personal growth.

Governing Body

The I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies at Utah State University is the primary organisation providing training and certification in Mind-Body Bridging (MBB) therapy. They provide professional training courses and certification programmes for MBB practitioners. They conduct research and development of the MBB techniques

Mind-Body Bridging Certification Programme – The institute offers a structured certification process that includes foundational training in the MBB principles and techniques. Advanced practitioner training, supervision and case consultation. Practitioners who complete this programme are certified to use MBB in clinical settings.

While the primary training and certification body is based in the United States, the I-System Institute’s programmes are accessible to international practitioners, including those from the UK. The institute’s focus on evidence-based practice and ongoing research ensures that MBB maintains high standards of practice globally.

What Good Looks Like

In the context of Mind-Body Bridging (MBB), a positive experience is characterised by several key elements that significantly enhance your session.

• As you begin, you should feel a sense of safety and openness in the environment created by your practitioner. This allows you to relax and fully engage with the process. The practitioner will guide you through awareness exercises, helping you to focus on your present-moment experiences.
• During the session, you’ll be introduced to the concept of ‘mapping’. You’ll create simple maps of your thoughts and bodily sensations, particularly focusing on stressful situations. This process should feel revealing and insightful, helping you to visualise your internal experiences.
• A crucial aspect of MBB is identifying your ‘requirements’ – expectations about how you, others, or the world should be. As you recognise these requirements, you should experience a sense of clarity and understanding about your thought patterns. This awareness is a pivotal moment in the session.
• You’ll then engage in practices to ‘defuse’ these requirements. This process should feel liberating, as if you’re releasing mental constraints. You might notice a shift in your bodily sensations as you do this, perhaps feeling more relaxed or experiencing a release of tension.
• Throughout the session, you should feel an expanding sense of awareness. You’ll become more attuned to your body, thoughts, and emotions. This heightened awareness should feel empowering, giving you a greater sense of control over your experiences.
• The practitioner will guide you to recognise your ‘Identity System’ or ‘I-System’. As you become aware of how this system operates, you should feel a sense of insight and perhaps even relief, understanding how it influences your stress responses.
• Towards the end of the session, you should experience a shift towards what’s called your ‘Natural State’. This state is characterised by a sense of calm, clarity, and connectedness. You might feel more balanced, with a greater capacity to handle life’s challenges.
• Throughout the process, you should feel supported and guided, but also empowered to explore your own experiences. The session should leave you feeling more self-aware, relaxed, and equipped with practical tools to manage stress and enhance your well-being in daily life.

Remember, MBB is a skill that develops with practice. While you might experience significant shifts in a single session, the true power of MBB unfolds as you continue to apply these techniques in your everyday life.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Here are key questions to assist in choosing an exceptional Mind-Body Bridging (MBB) practitioner, along with what to look for in their answers:

How do you incorporate ‘mapping’ exercises in your MBB sessions?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who explains the use of mind-body maps to identify thought patterns and bodily sensations. They should mention terms like “requirements” and “Identity System” or “I-System”, demonstrating their understanding of core MBB concepts.

Can you explain how you help clients recognise and disengage from their ‘Identity System’?

Desired answer: An exceptional practitioner will describe specific techniques for identifying the I-System’s activation and methods to help clients observe it without getting caught up in it. Look for phrases like “awareness practices” and “defusing requirements”.

How do you guide clients to achieve their ‘Natural State’ during sessions?

Desired answer: The practitioner should explain how they help clients recognise and cultivate a state of calm, clarity, and connectedness. Look for mentions of specific MBB techniques that facilitate this shift.

What approach do you take to help clients develop metacognitive awareness?

Desired answer: An expert MBB practitioner will discuss methods for enhancing clients’ ability to observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed. They might mention practices for cultivating a “witness perspective”.

How do you integrate body awareness into your MBB practice?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who emphasises the importance of physical sensations in the MBB process. They should describe specific body-focused exercises or techniques used in sessions.

Can you explain how MBB differs from other mindfulness-based approaches?

Desired answer: An exceptional practitioner will articulate MBB’s unique focus on the Identity System and requirements, distinguishing it from other mindfulness practices. They should highlight MBB’s emphasis on bridging mind and body experiences.

How do you tailor MBB techniques for different client needs or issues?

Desired answer: The practitioner should demonstrate flexibility in applying MBB principles to various concerns, explaining how they adapt techniques for specific client situations.

What role does self-practice play in your approach as an MBB practitioner?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who emphasises the importance of their own regular MBB practice, showing commitment to embodying the principles they teach.

Can you describe a typical MBB session structure?

Desired answer: Look for a clear explanation of session flow, including elements like initial check-in, mapping exercises, awareness practices, and integration of insights. The practitioner should emphasise the collaborative nature of MBB sessions.

By asking these questions and evaluating the responses against these criteria, you can better determine whether a practitioner is exceptionally suited to guide you through Mind-Body Bridging therapy.

Self-Study Resources

Here are some recommended resources for learning more about Mind-Body Bridging (MBB):

Books

Mind-Body Workbook for PTSD: A 10-Week Program for Healing After Trauma by Stanley H. Block and Carolyn Bryant Block. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to MBB techniques and their application for trauma recovery.

Come to Your Senses: Demystifying the Mind-Body Connection by Stanley Block and Carolyn Bryant Block. This book offers a broader perspective on MBB and its applications for general well-being.

Mind-Body Workbook for Stress: Effective Tools for Lifelong Stress Reduction and Crisis Management by Stanley H. Block and Carolyn Bryant Block. This workbook focuses on applying MBB techniques specifically for stress management.

Online Resources

I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies – This YouTube channel features videos about MBB and related topics.

Mind-Body Bridging Explained by Dr. Stanley Block – A comprehensive introduction to MBB by its creator.

Mind-Body Bridging: A Different Way to Heal – An overview of MBB and its applications.

The Mind-Body Bridging Podcast explores various aspects of MBB and its applications.

These resources provide a comprehensive introduction to Mind-Body Bridging, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical applications of this therapeutic approach.

Related Therapies

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (MOD106): A structured programme that combined mindfulness meditation and yoga to cultivate awareness and reduce stress.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) (MOD039): A type of cognitive-behavioural therapy aimed at teaching people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (MOD001): Focuses on acceptance of thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, combined with commitment to behaviour change aligned with personal values.

Somatic Experiencing (MOD152): Focuses on releasing physical tension and trauma-related symptoms by regulating the nervous system’s response to stress and trauma.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MOD026): A psychotherapeutic approach that addresses dysfunctional emotions, behaviours, and thought patterns through goal-oriented techniques, often incorporating mindfulness practices.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) (MOD050): Involves tapping on acupuncture points while focusing on specific issues to reduce emotional distress.

Arts Therapy (MOD016): Utilises creative techniques such as drawing, painting, or sculpting to help individuals explore and express emotions, reduce anxiety, and increase self-awareness.

Guided Imagery (MOD161): A practice where an individual is verbally led through a meditative experience by a practitioner or recorded audio.

Biofeedback (MOD136): Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic monitoring of bodily processes to train individuals to gain voluntary control over physical and mental functions typically considered involuntary.

Dance/Movement Therapy (MOD038): A therapeutic approach that uses movement and dance to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. Drumming often naturally leads to movement, making this a complementary practice.

Qigong (MOD102): A holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training.