Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being
The Qualitative Report – January 14, 2015
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Flotation tank therapy consistently induces altered states of consciousness, offering profound relaxation and altered perception. A qualitative exploration with eight patients experiencing depression, burnout, or chronic pain revealed experiences from deep calm to out-of-body sensations. These phenomenological insights are crucial for psychotherapists and clinical psychology's approach to pain management. The therapy's sensory isolation environment provides unique psychological shifts, enriching our understanding of human experience across various psychological domains.
Abstract
A qualitative analysis (The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method) of interviews involving eight patients (depression, burn-out syndrome, and chronic pain) was carried out in order to obtain knowledge regarding the effects of flotation tank therapy. This knowledge might be helpful for both professionals and potential floaters. The analysis resulted in 21 categories, which were summarized as four themes: (a) experiences during flotation, (b) perceived effects afterwards, (c) technical details, and finally (d) the participants ́ background, motivation, and expectations. Floating was perceived as pleasant. An altered state of consciousness was induced, varying from a milder state including profound relaxation and altered time perception, to more powerful with perceptual changes and profound sensations such as out-o f-body experience s and perinatal experiences.