Brainspotting
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting operates from the premise “Where you look affects how you feel.” We naturally gaze in different places when thinking about and discussing certain experiences. By tapping into a “Brainspot” and focusing on where our eyes land, we can access the brain’s innate healing abilities.
According to the principles of Brainspotting, the brain and body use their natural resources and functions to promote healing. With the mind and body working in tandem, the Brainspotting technique allows us to move toward healing, integration, and completion. Essentially, Brainspotting engages the brain’s memory network so that trauma can be meaningfully processed and resolved.
The History Of Brainspotting
While using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in therapy with a client, Dr. David Grand observed that certain gazes or focal points yielded deeper reflection and insight in his clients. By slowing down the bilateral eye movements associated with the EMDR process, his clients were able to process their emotional pain more deeply using one specific spot. This led to the development of a new kind of therapy, known as Brainspotting.
Though similar to EMDR in its inside-out, bottom-up approach (meaning we start in the place of activation within the brain that holds the memory), many therapists consider Brainspotting a gentler, more organic approach. Since its development in 2003, Brainspotting has been widely used in trauma treatment and studies have demonstrated its success in treating PTSD. For example, when compared to other treatments used for the survivors and families of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Brainspotting was found to be the most effective.
Along with treating emotionally and physically painful experiences, Brainspotting can help clients of all ages target PTSD and Complex PTSD, as well as pre-verbal, generational, and racial or systemic trauma. Brainspotting also can help reduce symptoms of:
Anxiety
Emotional dysregulation
Mood disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Brainspotting At Pathways To Peace
I became interested in this approach upon witnessing the effectiveness and versatility of EMDR in my practice. I heard that Brainspotting worked in a similar way, so I sought training to increase treatment options for my clients. In addition to receiving instruction from Dr. Grand himself, I have completed extensive training in Brainspotting for adults, children, and adolescents.
What To Expect In Therapy
Clients typically come to me when they experience disruptive symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Starting from the point of identifying their feelings, emotions, and treatment goals, we will find the best Brainspot to work on for a specific issue. This may be an eye position I observe in the client, a sensation they feel, or a gaze spot that they continually return to.
Biolateral auditory sounds will then be used to enhance the brain’s processing function. Between these auditory cues and the Brainspot in the visual field, trauma is unfurled and memories can be stored in a healthier, less disruptive way.
Slow is fast when working through trauma, so the Brainspotting technique is always done safely and deliberately. Oftentimes, this process helps clients gain new insights into past events and notice a reduction of symptoms in real-time. Rather than feeling activated, clients can relax in both mind and body. Though it may take time and multiple sessions with a therapist to fully clear trauma, each Brainspotting session is likely to generate greater self-awareness.
Other Techniques Used In Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting and EMDR share many similarities, and both are used at my practice to help clients who are struggling with unresolved trauma. I alternate between the two as appropriate.
I also use somatic, or body-based, methods to help my clients detect what is happening in the body. And Polyvagal Theory can help clients make sense of how they experience stress activation in their bodies and understand their window of tolerance. While it isn’t necessary to verbally retell a trauma as part of processing using EMDR or Brainspotting, the therapist is always engaged and attuned to the client, ensuring that they feel safe and supported.
Experience Deeper Healing And Change How You Respond To Trauma
If you suffer from emotional, physical, or relational symptoms related to your mental health, Brainspotting can improve your quality of life. You may be confused about what is happening in your body and why you seem unable to break out of unhealthy patterns. Whatever the case may be, Brainspotting can accelerate your growth, enhance your insights, and facilitate shifts in the way you think and feel.
This is a safe, gentle, and effective method that can be used for clients of all ages and backgrounds. To find out more about how Brainspotting can help you, contact me or schedule a free, 15-minute consultation.
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