Interoceptive Exposure Practice
A CBT panic worksheet listing common interoceptive exposure exercises with ratings of anxiety and similarity to panic, plus a practice record for repeated exposures.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · CBT for panic · Exposure
- Approach / concern
- Anxiety & Panic
- Technique
- CBT for panic · Exposure
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Interoceptive Exposure Practice?
Interoceptive exposure involves deliberately inducing feared bodily sensations, such as dizziness, breathlessness or a racing heart, through exercises like spinning or straw breathing. Repeated exposure reduces fear of the sensations themselves.
Why it works
Interoceptive exposure is a core component of CBT for panic disorder (Craske & Barlow, 2006), and its development and evidence base are reviewed by Boettcher et al. (2016).
When to use it
- Panic disorder
- Health anxiety focused on body sensations
- Agoraphobia
- After psychoeducation on the panic cycle
How to use it in session
- Screen for medical contraindications.
- Test each exercise in session and rate it.
- Choose exercises most similar to panic.
- Practise repeatedly, without safety behaviours.
- Record learning after each practice.
Clinician tips
- Clinician should model exercises first.
- Stay with sensations until they settle; avoid distraction.
- Pair with in-vivo exposure to feared situations.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is interoceptive exposure safe?
For most people, yes, but check with a doctor if you have heart, lung, seizure or other medical conditions, and practise with a clinician first.
Why would I bring on panic sensations deliberately?
Because facing the sensations teaches your brain they’re not dangerous, which reduces fear of them over time.
References
Craske, M. G., & Barlow, D. H. (2006). Mastery of your anxiety and panic: Therapist guide (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
Boettcher, H., Brake, C. A., & Barlow, D. H. (2016). Origins and outlook of interoceptive exposure. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 53, 41-51.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
