How Processing Trauma From the “Bottom Up” Helps You Heal

Bottom-up therapy involves using a therapeutic approach that first acknowledges the parts located at the base of the brain. This region is responsible for handling things like reflexes and automatic survival responses. It also plays a role in processing memories and learning.

In top-down therapy, you analyze how your mind interprets information and interventions involving changing certain thought patterns. In the end, thinking more rationally and perhaps more positively is supposed to prompt you to make better choices and respond to challenges in a healthier way.

But trauma is often felt in the body. Thus, changing your thoughts may not account for this. A trauma response activates the lower, “primal” areas of your brain. Trying to think differently cannot necessarily override this natural response. Instead, you’ll need to begin with the base of the brain and the body. Here’s why "bottom-up" therapy can be such a powerful healing tool.

Accepting Persons As They Are

Something that can make bottom-up therapy so effective is that it involves accepting the traumatized person exactly as they are. There is no immediate expectation that they must begin working to change their thoughts right away. Nor is there a supposition or assessment made that they are acting irrationally. Instead, the person starts simply by acknowledging and accepting how they feel.

Understanding the Root Cause

Many people do find healing through top-down therapy methods that involve transforming thought patterns. However, this may not be so effective for people with trauma. This is because healing trauma must involve getting to the root cause as an integral part of the process. Beginning to change your thoughts will not address that root cause. Therefore, bottom-up therapy can be a more appropriate approach.

Opportunity for Safe Exploration

Bottom-up therapy presents an opportunity for a person to safely explore the causes of their trauma once they are uncovered. Early on, your therapist will work to create a safe and secure environment for you. As you process your trauma , you will be able to focus on your feelings and think deeply about where these feelings are coming from. It involves both analysis and deep reflection. This allows you to cultivate a dual awareness of your trauma and its effects on your life.

Addresses Trauma Response in Body

Trauma is stored in the body. The body retains and "remembers "via tension and sensation what the traumatized person has been through. This is where you may experience long-term effects.

Sometimes, a person with trauma may not even fully understand where those feelings come from. Thus, you may feel confused about why you began feeling a certain way, and why it seems so difficult to overcome such feelings, even if you try to reframe your thoughts.

When trauma activates the bottom regions of the brain, the physical and emotional experience that results can be overwhelming. When the cause seems elusive, bottom-up therapy can help you sort through bodily responses for answers.

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Many people who carry trauma develop coping mechanisms. Too often, they can be harmful in the long run. Unless the root of their trauma is addressed, it can be very difficult to replace these habits with healthier coping strategies, activities, and goals. After all, these coping mechanisms are a way for people to escape the trauma-related feelings present in their bodies and minds. Therefore, makes sense that the best way to pave the road for new behaviors is by uncovering and healing the root of the trauma.

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Do you feel that top-down therapy has been ineffective for you in the past? Are you interested in bottom-up therapy?  Please read more about trauma therapy and reach out to discuss your options for scheduling your first appointment.