Brainspotting: What is it and How Does it Work?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on developments in therapy and mental health, you might have come across the term “Brainspotting.” It’s not your everyday talk therapy, and it’s gaining attention for its effectiveness in tackling some deep-seated psychological challenges.

So, what exactly is Brainspotting, and how does it work? Let’s dive into this intriguing therapeutic method in a way that’s easy to understand.

(NOTE: This article is not a diagnosis. Always seek out a Brainspotting-trained counselor for advice on treatment plans)

Brainspotting in a Nutshell

Brainspotting was born in 2003, thanks to the brilliant mind of Dr. David Grand. It’s an approach that falls under the umbrella of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

The core idea is that our eyes can serve as a portal to our deepest emotions and traumas, allowing us to access and process them more directly than traditional talk therapy.

At the heart of Brainspotting are these things called “brainspots.” These are specific eye positions associated with traumatic or emotionally charged memories. When someone locks their gaze onto a particular spot that corresponds to these experiences, it’s believed they can access and process the underlying emotions and memories in a profound way.

How does Brainspotting Work?

There are 6 general steps to the Brainspotting process:

Step 1: Building a Safe Space
Before diving into the therapy itself, the therapist establishes a safe and trusting relationship with the client. This is where the magic begins, as clients need to feel secure to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.

Step 2: Spotting Brainspots
Once the trust is established, it’s time to identify those mysterious brainspots. It’s a bit like a detective game. The therapist may use a pointer or simple cues to help the client discover where they experience heightened emotional responses or sensations in their body.

Step 3: Dive into the Emotions
The client keeps their gaze fixed on the pinpointed brainspot. By doing this, they can access and process traumatic memories and emotions associated with that spot. The therapist plays a guiding role as the client delves into their feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

Step 4: Dual Attention
Here’s where the magic of Brainspotting happens. It’s what therapists call “dual attention.” The client’s conscious mind and their deeper, nonverbal processing work simultaneously. By staring at the brainspot and allowing emotions to rise to the surface, healing can take place.

Step 5: The Uncertainty Principle
Now, it’s essential to acknowledge that Brainspotting is not always predictable. Clients might not know what to expect during a session. But it’s this unpredictability that allows Brainspotting to access deeply buried emotional traumas and facilitate healing.

Step 6: Integration
As the session unfolds, the therapist helps the client integrate their newfound insights and emotional releases into their conscious awareness. This is vital for making sense of the experiences and emotions that have come to light.

Who Benefits from Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a versatile technique that can help with various psychological and emotional issues. Here’s where it’s been particularly effective:

Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can leave a profound mark on a person’s psyche. Brainspotting shines when it comes to helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, whether related to accidents, abuse, combat, or natural disasters.

Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be crippling, and Brainspotting offers a way to dig into the root causes and address them directly and effectively.

Depression
Depression often has underlying causes and unresolved emotional issues. Brainspotting can be a path to explore and process these factors, which can alleviate depressive symptoms.

Phobias and Fear
Intense fears and phobias often stem from specific traumatic experiences. By identifying and processing the brainspots related to these fears, individuals can often conquer their phobias more effectively.

Performance Enhancement
Even athletes, artists, and performers have found Brainspotting useful for boosting their performance. By addressing performance anxiety and accessing their full potential, individuals can enhance their skills and abilities.

Why Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is an exciting addition to the world of therapy for several reasons:

Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for a count of four to regulate your heart rate and reduce anxiety.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness techniques help you stay present and prevent anxious thoughts. Meditation, yoga, or guided imagery can be beneficial for managing anxiety.

Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid situations, places, substances, or activities that trigger your anxiety attacks.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood lifters. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can positively impact mood and mental health.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a proven therapeutic approach for managing anxiety. It helps identify and change negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety.

Medication: In severe cases, healthcare professionals may prescribe medication in combination with therapy and self-help strategies to manage anxiety attacks.

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Support System: Reach out to friends and family for support. Talking about your feelings can alleviate anxiety.

The Future of Brainspotting

As the field of psychology and therapy evolves, Brainspotting will continue to play a significant role in helping individuals overcome psychological challenges. Its innovative approach to accessing and processing deep-seated emotions and traumas has shown great promise. Research in the field is ongoing to refine and validate the technique further.

While Brainspotting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for every mental health issue, it’s a valuable tool in a therapist’s toolkit. It offers an effective way for people to tackle trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. As the field of psychology keeps progressing, you can bet that Brainspotting will remain at the forefront of innovative and effective therapeutic methods.

In a nutshell, Brainspotting is like shining a spotlight on your deepest emotions and traumas, helping you heal from the inside out. So, if you’re on a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing, Brainspotting might just be the key to unlocking a brighter future.

Find a Brainspotting Certified Practitioner

These counselors have completed the highest training possible in order to become Brainspotting Certified Practitioners. Along with being highly trained, they’re also incredibly easy to talk to! These therapists are committed to providing the safest place for you to process whatever brings you to therapy. Check out their bios below, and when you’re ready contact us to connect with a Christian Brainspotting Certified Therapist!

Find a Brainspotting trained SPECIALIST

These counselors are trained in Brainspotting and are equipped to use this research-based therapeutic technique with you to help you process through different types of trauma. Check out their bios below, and when you’re ready contact us to connect with a Christian Brainspotting Trained Therapist!