What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting was first developed in 2003 by Dr. David Grand from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR uses eye movements to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain whereas Brainspotting uses fixed eye positions. Brainspotting also integrates somatic experiencing and mindfulness to create a powerful mind-body healing tool. Brainspotting is used to process and release feelings stored deep in the brain that are otherwise difficult to access through talk therapy alone.

What is a Brainspotting session like?

At the beginning of the session, the therapist will ask the client to think about what they would like to process. It could be an emotion, a bodily sensation, an event, or something else. The client is then asked to identify where they feel it in their body. The therapist then guides the client to identify brainspots, which are specific eye positions that are associated with traumatic memories or emotional pain. Clients are also given headphones to listen to bilateral sounds to enhance treatment.  Once processing begins, some clients talk out loud while others prefer to process quietly. There is no right or wrong way to process. At the end of session, the client and therapist assess change.

How does Brainspotting work?

Traditional talk therapies intervene in the neocortex, or the outer most layer of the brain. Trauma and emotions are stored deep in the limbic brain, which is difficult to access through talk therapy alone. Through the visual field, Brainspotting is able to access the deeper layers of the brain where trauma and emotions are stored to be able to process and release them. Many people notice improvements in symptoms after just one session, although oftentimes multiple sessions are needed to achieve full resolution of symptoms.

What can Brainspotting be used for?

Brainspotting can be used to address a variety of conditions including:

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment wounds
  • Creativity
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • OCD
  • Panic
  • Performance blocks
  • Physical pain
  • Spirituality
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • and much more…

I would love to work with you and help you with whatever challenges you are facing. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.