Brainspotting is a powerful, evidence-based therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It focuses on the idea that where you look can affect how you feel, as it connects eye positions with emotional and physical experiences stored in the brain. Brainspotting is a form of mind-body therapy that helps individuals process trauma, stress, and other deep emotional issues by tapping into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself.
At its core, Brainspotting helps people access and release emotions or trauma that may be stored in the brain and body, facilitating deep healing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting doesn’t require detailed verbal processing of past experiences. Instead, it works through the body’s inherent wisdom, allowing clients to release emotions and experiences on a subconscious level.
Brainspotting is a versatile and highly effective therapeutic technique for a wide range of mental health challenges. Some of the most common issues it helps with include:
1. Trauma and PTSD
2. Anxiety and Panic Attacks
3. Depression
4. Grief and Loss
5. Chronic Pain
6. Performance Anxiety
7. Addictions and Compulsions
8. Self-Esteem and Emotional Regulation
Brainspotting works by bypassing our prefrontal cortex in the brain, where critical thinking and language is held, and goes straight to our limbic system targeting the Hyppocampus. The Hyppocampus helps form new memories and associate memories with senses. It also targets The Amygdala to process emotions like fear, anxiety, and anger, as well as social interpretations. Helping clients access specific brain locations where emotional or traumatic experiences are stored. The process focuses on identifying “brainspots”—specific eye positions that correlate to areas of emotional pain, unresolved trauma, or intense feelings.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the process works:
The therapist helps the client focus on a specific emotion or memory and notice where they feel tension in their body. Using a pointer, the therapist slowly moves it across the client's visual field, observing for emotional or physical shifts. When the client experiences increased intensity or sensation at a particular eye position, it signals the Brainspot. The therapist then guides the client to hold that position while processing the related emotions and memories, allowing for deep emotional work.
Once the brainspot is identified, you’ll maintain focus on that spot while paying attention to any physical sensations, memories, or emotions that arise. This may include tension in your body, memories or images from the past, or intense emotions such as sadness, fear, or anger. As you focus on the (brainspot) (it should just say spot, not brainspot). It allows your brain to reprocess the trauma or emotional pain in a healthier way.
Brainspotting works not only at the cognitive level but also at the somatic level (body-based). Many unresolved emotions are stored in the body, and brainspotting helps you connect to and release these physical sensations. This body-based release can lead to significant emotional shifts and a reduction in symptoms like anxiety or pain.
As the process continues, the brainspotting technique helps your nervous system to regulate and process these emotions or trauma. The brain’s natural healing ability takes over, allowing you to release past emotional burdens and develop healthier emotional responses in the future. Over time, many people experience relief from symptoms, a sense of inner calm, and improved emotional regulation.
Brainspotting works by addressing emotional issues at the subconscious level, allowing healing to occur without the need for extensive verbal processing. The technique taps into the neurophysiological connection between eye positions and emotional experiences, which makes it incredibly effective for individuals dealing with deep emotional pain or trauma that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy.
Unlike traditional cognitive-based therapies, Brainspotting allows for non-verbal processing, making it especially useful for people who have difficulty talking about their experiences or who have experienced trauma that feels difficult to put into words.
If you’re struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges, Brainspotting might be an effective tool to help you heal. If you're ready to explore how Brainspotting can support your emotional growth and healing, reach out to schedule a consultation. It’s a safe, powerful, and transformative technique that can help you process deep emotional wounds and move toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Licensed Professional Counselor
PA: PC007690 | NJ: 37PC00509400 | TX: 94973
