Brainspotting
Unlock deeper healing
What is Brainspotting?
If you have experienced the benefits of talk therapy, but feel there's still something deeper to address, you are not alone.
Many find that traditional therapy helps them understand their thoughts and behaviors, but does not quite reach the core of their issues and why they continue to have them. That lingering sense that there is more to uncover and/or things keep coming up, often points to experiences stored in the body and what we call the “deep brain”. This is where Brainspotting comes in – a powerful approach that can help you access and heal those deeper layers, through your eyes and where you look.
Brainspotting is a neuroscience backed approach that was discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003 through his work in EMDR. It taps into your brain's natural ability to heal and is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel.
Our eyes directly connect to our deep brain, and 80% of sensory information is processed visually. Think of your visual field as a map of your inner experiences. Certain eye positions, or "brainspots," connect to emotional and physical issues stored in your brain and body that you cannot access with speech. By finding and focusing on these spots, we can access, process, and release deep-rooted traumas and emotions.
This method combines some elements of traditional talk therapy with body-based approaches. It's a gentle yet profound way to work through challenges that may have felt stuck or unresolvable through other methods.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
During a Brainspotting session, we will work together to identify issues you want to address. We will find a “brainspot” associated with a specific issues, and you will focus your gaze on that spot. As you do this, I will guide you to pay attention to any physical sensations, emotions, or memories that arise.
The process is collaborative and empowering. You are in control, and I am here to support and guide you. We will move at your pace, allowing your brain and body to process information in it’s own way. If anything feels uncomfortable or overwhelming, we can pause or shift our approach at any time.
Why Choose Brainspotting?
Efficiency: Brainspotting can often lead to rapid and long-lasting changes, even for long-standing issues. Some issues can be resolved in just one session
Depth: It accesses deep, subcortical regions of the brain where trauma and emotional pain are stored.
Gentleness: While powerful, Brainspotting is often experienced as less overwhelming and disrupting than other trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and exposure therapy.
Flexibility: It can be used with other therapeutic approaches you might already be using.
Empowerment: Brainspotting puts you in the driver's seat of your healing journey. You lead, the therapist follows
“Where you look affects how you feel”
-Dr. David Grand
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me—I’ll answer your questions and we can decide if we’re the right fit.
What Can Brainspotting Help With?
Brainspotting is an approach that can address a wide range of psychological and physiological issues. The following list is not exhaustive. Because Brainspotting works with your brain's innate healing capacity, it can be beneficial for many different challenges
Trauma and PTSD
Pre-verbal attachment wounds from emotionally unavailable parents
Anxiety and depression
Phobias and fears
Relationship issues
Addiction and substance abuse
Grief and loss
Self-esteem and confidence issues
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
If you are reading this, you're likely seeking change in your life. Maybe you've tried other approaches and haven't found the relief you're looking for. Or perhaps you're new to therapy and are drawn to Brainspotting's unique approach.
Brainspotting could be a good fit if:
You are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges
You are looking for a therapy that honors both your mind and body
You want an approach that allows for deep healing without necessarily requiring extensive verbal processing
You are open to trying a body-based therapeutic technique
The best way to know if Brainspotting is right for you is to give it a try. I offer initial consultations where we can discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit to work together.
FAQs
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A: Prior to any Brainspotting, I'll explain the process and answer any questions you have. Here's a general outline of what a session might look like:
We'll start by discussing what you would like to work on in any particular session
We'll identify a specific issue or feeling to focus on.
Using a pointer, I'll guide your eyes across your field of vision. We'll pay attention to any shifts in your emotional or physical state.
When we find a brainspot that resonates with your issue, we'll pause there.
I'll support you as you focus on that spot and allow whatever comes up to process naturally.
We'll continue this process, following where your brain and body lead us.
At the end of the session, we'll discuss your experience and any insights or changes you've noticed.
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A: Absolutely. Brainspotting is effective both in-person and virtually. There may be some slight changes in strategies used, but this does not impact effectiveness.
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