So what exactly is Brainspotting?

Unveiling Brainspotting: A Revolutionary Therapy for Healing Trauma

In the ever-evolving landscape of therapeutic practices, Brainspotting (BSP) has emerged as a powerful and innovative approach for treating trauma and emotional distress. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting leverages the mind-body connection to access, process, and release deeply stored traumas. It is a potent tool that not only aids in the resolution of psychological issues but also enhances performance and personal development.

The Origins of Brainspotting

Brainspotting's inception was somewhat serendipitous. Dr. Grand, a renowned psychotherapist, discovered it while working with a client using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). He noticed that the client’s eye movements seemed to correlate with significant emotional and physical reactions. By focusing on these eye positions or “brainspots,” Dr. Grand could tap into deeper areas of the brain where trauma was stored. This realization led to the development of brainspotting as a distinct therapeutic modality.

How Does Brainspotting Work?

At its core, brainspotting is based on the concept that where you look affects how you feel. It utilizes a person's field of vision to locate “brainspots,” which are eye positions that correlate with areas of unprocessed trauma in the brain. The therapist guides the client to find these spots by using a pointer or following the client’s natural gaze.

Once a brainspot is located, the client focuses on this spot while simultaneously tuning into their internal experience. This dual focus on the external (eye position) and internal (bodily sensations, emotions, thoughts) allows for deeper access to the subcortical brain, where trauma is often stored. By maintaining this focus, clients can process and release traumatic memories that traditional talk therapy might not reach.

The Science Behind Brainspotting

Brainspotting is grounded in neuroscience. It taps into the brain’s ability to process and heal from trauma. The subcortical brain, which includes structures like the amygdala and hippocampus, plays a crucial role in storing and processing traumatic memories. These areas are often less accessible through conventional talk therapies that primarily engage the neocortex, the brain’s thinking and reasoning center.

By accessing the subcortical brain directly, Brainspotting allows for a more profound and holistic healing process. The therapy often leads to rapid and lasting changes, as it addresses the root cause of emotional distress rather than merely managing symptoms.

Applications of Brainspotting

Brainspotting has a wide range of applications. It is particularly effective for treating trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. Additionally, it has been used to enhance performance in sports, the arts, and business, by helping individuals overcome mental blocks and achieve their full potential. I can attest to this, as I’ve used brainspotting to help my own anxiety. I’ve also had success using brainspotting to help clients reduce cravings for alcohol, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and symptoms related to trauma.

With anxiety for example, someone may find that they are having less worries about something happening to their loved ones, less ruminating and looping thoughts, and feel generally “lighter” without the constant tension of their underlying anxiety. Athletes, for example, can use brainspotting to improve focus, reduce performance anxiety, and recover from injuries more effectively. Artists and performers may find it helpful in accessing deeper creativity and overcoming stage fright. In the business world, brainspotting can assist in reducing stress, enhancing decision-making, and fostering leadership skills.

The Brainspotting Session Experience

A typical brainspotting session is client-centered and non-directive. The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment, allowing the client to explore their internal world at their own pace. Sessions usually begin with the client discussing their issues and identifying areas of concern. The therapist then helps locate brainspots related to these issues, guiding the client to focus on them while remaining attuned to their bodily sensations and emotions.

Throughout the session, the therapist provides support and ensures the client feels safe and grounded. The process can be emotionally intense, as it often brings up deeply buried memories and feelings. However, it is also profoundly healing, enabling clients to process and release trauma that has been holding them back.

Conclusion

Brainspotting represents a significant advancement in the field of psychotherapy. Its ability to access and heal the deepest layers of the brain makes it an invaluable tool for treating trauma and enhancing personal growth. As more people discover its benefits, brainspotting is poised to become a cornerstone of modern therapeutic practice, offering hope and healing to those in need.

If you’re ready to give it a try, contact me. If you’re not in California try searching the following: “brainspotting therapist near me” or “licensed therapist near me” and inquire if they are trained in brainspotting.