Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a brain-based tool to support the therapy relationship.

Therapy for Adults and First Responders

What is Brainspotting, and what makes it different than other types of therapy?

Brainspotting is a powerful treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neuro-physiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and a variety of other challenging symptoms. 

It’s different from other therapy models in that it puts the client in control and the therapist acts in a supportive, collaborative role.  This method involves identifying relevant eye position that has a connection to the “felt sense” in the body. The client then uses focused attention to process and release the negative energy associated with those emotions.

You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.
— Thomas Merton

How does Brainspotting work?

Brainspotting works by identifying something called brainspots, while processing different events, experiences, and/or emotions with a trained brainspotting therapist.

A “Brainspot” is the eye position related to the energetic/emotional activation of a traumatic or emotionally charged issue within the brain.  Brainspotting targets the right hemisphere, the brain stem, and the limbic system.

When a Brainspot is stimulated, the deep brain reflexively signals to the therapist that an area of significance has been located.  There are a number of reflexive responses including eye twitches, wobbles, freezes, blinks, facial tics, sniffs, swallows, yawns, coughs, head nods, foot movement, and body shifting. 

Watch this video to learn more from David Grand, PhD, the creator of Brainspotting.

Brainspotting is a powerful tool that can be used to strengthen our natural resources and resilience.

Brainspotting can help with….

  • PTSD and CPTSD

  • Accidents

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • Divorce, Separation

  • Success

  • Performance

  • Decision-making and Indecision

  • Conflict (internal or external)

  • Death anxiety or fear

  • Depression

  • Grief and mourning

  • Generational trauma

  • Relationship problems, difficulties, and crossroads

Photo is of small purple flowers growing in clusters on tall stems.