Why Neurodivergent People May Thrive in Somatic Therapy
In the diverse field of psychotherapy, understanding the direction of therapeutic change is crucial. We often conceptualize this through the lens of top down versus bottom up processing. Top down approaches, of which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a prime example, begin with the cognitive domain. They operate on the premise that by identifying, challenging, and restructuring our conscious thoughts and belief systems, we can subsequently change our emotional responses and physical sensations. It is a logical, analytical process that engages the prefrontal cortex, the seat of executive functioning, to manage and correct the signals from the limbic system and body below. This method can be profoundly effective for many, providing tangible tools to reframe patterns of thinking.
Conversely, bottom up modalities, such as somatic psychotherapy, start with the foundational layers of human experience, the body and the nervous system. This approach is predicated on the understanding that so much of our lived experience, particularly trauma and deeply ingrained emotional patterns, is encoded not as a narrative in the brain but as sensory information, autonomic states, and protective impulses held within the body. The work involves developing interoceptive awareness, tracking physiological sensations, and facilitating the completion of self protective motor responses that were thwarted during past stressful events. By first establishing safety and regulation in the body, new feelings and thoughts naturally begin to emerge organically. The process bypasses the need for extensive cognitive analysis, working directly with the subcortical regions that govern survival and emotion.
For neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism or ADHD, bottom up approaches can feel significantly more accessible and validating than top down methods. Traditional CBT can sometimes feel invalidating for these clients, as it may implicitly suggest their natural cognitive patterns or perceptual experiences are faulty and need correcting. The demand for extensive verbal processing and cognitive analysis can be overwhelming or misaligned with how their brains process information. Somatic therapy offers a reprieve from this constant cognitive effort. It honors the wisdom of the body and focuses on regulation and sensory integration without judgment. This allows neurodivergent clients to build a compassionate relationship with their nervous system, reducing anxiety and overwhelm from a foundational level. It supports their unique neurology by meeting them where they are, fostering autonomy and self connection from the bottom up, rather than imposing strategies from the top down.
