Group Brainspotting and the Importance of Processing the Past: A Blog with Katie Plumb, MA, MSW, LCSW

Hi Katie. Can you tell the reader a little about yourself?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Under this license I am a trauma therapist specializing in Brainspotting, a supervisor for up and coming associate therapists, and the CEO and Director of Creative Solutions Therapy and Coaching Collective. I work primarily with complex traumas, attachment wounds and grief. I do individual and group therapy with clients. 

 While I am a workaholic, I have a lot of fun in my outside life doing all kinds of art projects (sculpture, painting, mosaic, and silly drawings of anthropomorphic food doing stuff), hanging with my sister, nephew (6) and niece (3), and exploring my new city (just moved to the Bay Area from Long Beach CA). 

 I have definitely seen you balance work and fun, and you do it well. Oftentimes in therapy, clients are unsure of whether they want to talk about the past. Can you talk about why it is so important?

 When clients come to therapy with a “here and now” crisis, it can feel counterintuitive to ask them to step back and look at all the past experiences that brought them to this point, when they’re just wanting to know how to solve this more immediate issue. However, those experiences we think we’ve buried in the past are still there, waiting to be re-triggered. If we treat just the immediate symptom, we aren’t getting the root of why this symptom now, ensuring it will return in the future. This is why I prefer bottom-up processing methods (like Brainspotting) over more cerebral top-down approaches like CBT. The traumas, stuck points, and painful experiences live in the deepest regions of the brain and body and efforts to understand and intervene on maladaptive behaviors or symptoms often don’t make it past our thinking/“figuring out” brain (in the neocortex). What we now know about trauma is by the time a signal of danger reaches the neocortex the body and reactive parts of the brain are already dysregulated so they throw the that executive cortex “offline”, not permitting it to figure out what is happening in time to intervene with skills (such as examining the cognitive distortions involved). 

 Absolutely. So often I hear someone share with frustration that they know what to do but they can’t seem to do it. I think that psycho-education is so important. You mentioned Brainspotting, and you were actually the one who first introduced me to this modality. Can you share about Group-Brainspotting?

 Group Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that blends Brainspotting with elements like Theraplay, mindfulness training, and relaxation exercises, creating a comprehensive healing experience within a group setting. Developed by Dr. David Grand, Brainspotting helps locate points in the visual field to access and process unprocessed trauma in the brain. When combined with other therapeutic techniques, it becomes even more powerful.

 In a typical Group Brainspotting session, participants engage in several preparatory activities before the main Brainspotting process:

1. **Theraplay**: This component involves playful, engaging activities designed to build connections and trust among group members. Theraplay fosters a sense of safety and emotional attunement, which is crucial for effective therapy.

2. **Mindfulness Training**: Participants are guided through mindfulness exercises to ground themselves in the present moment. This training enhances self-awareness and helps individuals tune into their internal experiences, making them more receptive to the Brainspotting process.

3. **Relaxation Exercises**: Before starting Brainspotting, the group engages in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. These exercises help reduce anxiety and prepare the mind and body for the therapeutic work ahead.

 4. **Brainspotting Setup**: Once participants are relaxed and centered, the therapist guides them to find their unique brainspot. This is a point in their visual field that connects to the trauma or emotional distress they need to process. The group setting amplifies the healing process, as members support each other through shared presence and empathy.

 Group Brainspotting is particularly beneficial for individuals who:

 1. **Seek Community Support**: Those who value the emotional and social support of others may find this group setting enriching and affirming.

2. **Deal with Trauma**: Individuals with a history of trauma can benefit from the focused and integrated approach, which helps in accessing and processing deep-seated emotional pain.

 3. **Need Holistic Healing**: The integration of Theraplay, mindfulness, and relaxation provides a holistic healing experience that addresses various aspects of well-being.

4. **Prefer Cost-Effective Therapy**: Group sessions are often more affordable than individual therapy, making them accessible to a wider range of people.

 While Group Brainspotting can be highly effective, it may not be suitable for everyone:

1. **Severe Mental Health Conditions**: Individuals with severe mental health conditions such as acute psychosis, severe dissociation, or those at high risk of self-harm might require more individualized attention and a higher level of care than what a group setting can provide.

 2. **Difficulty with Group Settings**: Some people may struggle with the dynamics of group therapy due to social anxiety, trust issues, or discomfort in sharing personal experiences with others.

3. **Unresolved Interpersonal Issues**: Individuals with significant unresolved interpersonal conflicts may find it challenging to participate effectively in a group therapy setting.

 Group Brainspotting, with its integration of Theraplay, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises, offers a comprehensive and supportive therapeutic experience. It is an excellent option for individuals seeking to heal from trauma, gain community support, and benefit from a holistic approach to therapy. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with severe mental health issues or discomfort in group settings. By understanding these nuances, potential participants can make informed decisions about whether Group Brainspotting is the right fit for their therapeutic needs.

Thanks so much, Katie! Where can people connect with you?

They can reach me at creativesolutions-tc.org or on instagram at @creative_solutions_tc.