Brainspotting

Since getting trained in brainspotting, many have asked me to describe what it is and how it can be a helpful treatment option. Pulling from frequently asked questions, I am excited to share more about this modality and its benefits in therapy.

 What is brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a therapy modality that theorizes “where you look impacts how you feel.” By finding a “brainspot” (area in your brain in which trauma or related stressors become “stuck”) and building mindful awareness, we can get faster access to the subcortical region of our brain to help with processing.

What does a typical session look like?

After choosing a topic to focus on, the therapist helps the client to identify emotions and sensations related to the topic utilizing mindfulness and somatic techniques. Clients then locate the “brainspot” either on their own or with the help of the therapist and focus on thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or memories that arise. Towards the end of the session, the therapist will check in with the client to wrap up the session.

 Is it like EMDR?

Brainspotting has some similarities with EMDR. The main difference is that in EMDR, the focus is on eye movement. In brainspotting, the focus is on eye positioning.

 Who is a good candidate for brainspotting?

Brainspotting was first utilized as a therapy for trauma. However, it can be used for anyone feeling stuck in an aspect of life. Brainspotting is not appropriate for those in active psychosis.

 Why brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a “bottom-up” approach, focusing on how our body sensations and feelings impact our body’s responses to real or perceived danger. Bottom-up therapy can help us regulate how our nervous system is responding, compared to top-down approaches that focus on changing how we think.  When we have experienced trauma or distressing events, bottom-up approaches can lead to faster and deeper processing and healing.

Brainspotting also gives clients the option to process internally, so if you are not wanting to talk out loud about certain details, you do not have to do so.

For more information on brainspotting, you can check out the book cited below.

Grand, D. (2014). Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change. Sounds True.