While both Brainspotting (BSP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are trauma-focused therapies involving eye positioning, they differ in their approach, focus and client experience. While BSP focuses on specific eye positions, EMDR uses rhythmic eye movements.
BSP is a form of EMDR, developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, after noticing that one of his patients had a shift in her eye movements. Being trained in somatic therapeutic techniques, he was attuning to her movements. Dr. Grand became curious and explored this phenomenon more. After some research, he developed the Brainspotting technique. Dr. Grand provides a detailed explanation of the Brainspotting process in this video.
Both allow clients to achieve positive outcomes without needing to recount painful memories in detail. This is because both therapies can effectively target memories stored in the body and emotions.
There are a few differences between the two approaches including the role of the client, the role of the therapist and the amount of sessions needed to heal a particular traumatic experience.
BSP and EMDR have differences in technique and process.
EMDR uses structured, back-and-forth eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation like tapping or sound) to help clients process traumatic memories. This bilateral stimulation is an essential part of EMDR, as it’s thought to help the brain reprocess trauma.
In contrast, Brainspotting, focuses on “brainspots” which are specific eye positions that seem to be directly connected to where trauma or distressing memories are stored in the brain. The therapist works with the client to locate a brainspot, often using a pointer, and then the client maintains focus on that spot without additional bilateral stimulation. By sustaining this eye position, the client can process and release stored trauma or emotions. Brainspotting is less structured than EMDR and allows clients to explore memories or feelings at their own pace.
Both client and therapist roles are different.
In EMDR, the therapist follows a structured protocol with several phases. The client follows a rhythmic pattern with their eyes, or some other type of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or alternating sounds. Specific tools or software are often required to facilitate EMDR sessions. This approach has been proven effective but may feel too rigid for clients who struggle with step-by-step methods.
Brainspotting is a more flexible and client-led approach. Therapists take a supportive, non-directive role, focusing on the client’s physical responses to identify specific eye positions connected to trauma. This approach allows clients to process memories at their own pace, making it a gentler option for those who prefer less structure and more freedom to explore emotions as they come up naturally.
There are differences in how the brain will process.
EMDR connects with a conscious processing, using memory networks that connect past trauma with present perceptions. It activates the brain’s adaptive information processing (AIP) system, helping the brain integrate traumatic memories into a more coherent narrative.
EMDR will;
- Activate the prefrontal cortex to support cognitive reappraisal and memory integration.
- Engage the hippocampus for memory reconsolidation and reorganization.
- Stimulate the amygdala to reduce hyper-arousal associated with trauma.
Brainspotting taps into areas associated with emotional and physical responses. Therefore, BSP is particularly effective for trauma that manifests in physical symptoms. It relies on deeper brain structures, like the limbic system and midbrain to process trauma at a more instinctual and somatic level.
Brainspotting will;
- Target the midbrain, which holds implicit memories and emotional trauma.
- Involve the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, for emotional and instinctual processing.
- Engage the brainstem and body’s autonomic nervous system for somatic release.
Both therapies are gaining in accessibility and popularity. As trauma therapies gain wider recognition, both modalities are becoming more accessible. Many therapists now integrate these approaches into their practice to accommodate their different client needs.
With the use of online therapy, both techniques are reaching individuals around the world, offering hope and healing to people who haven’t been able to access trauma-focused care in the past.
The studies on both:
A 2022 research article states that BSP might be better tolerated by patients, and easier for therapists to learn. It may also be more easily integrated into other forms of trauma therapy due to its flexibility and shorter treatment time.
In this same article, researchers shared that BSP takes as little as three sessions to see results, where EMDR takes more like 8-10 sessions to begin seeing improvements. For this reason, Brainspotting may be more cost effective for patients.
This relatively small study by Andreas et.al., showed that both therapies showed promising results in helping patients with a substance use disorder over other treatments that involve talk therapy.
Each therapy may suit different clients based on their specific needs, processing style, and comfort with structure in therapeutic settings.
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