What Is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a relatively new therapeutic approach that uses eye positioning to access and process deep-seated trauma and emotional pain. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting emerged as a result of his work with trauma survivors and combines elements of another trauma-focused therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This modality for trauma taps into the brain’s natural healing processes, targeting the part of the brain, the limbic system, where trauma is stored.

We will look at what Brainspotting is, how it works and the types of issues it can heal.

During a Brainspotting session, a therapist will guide a client to identify “brainspots,” or specific eye positions linked to an emotionally charged memory or experience. Brainspotting engages the brain’s nervous system responses to heal trauma by processing blocked or stored emotions hidden in the subconscious mind.

How brainspotting works.

The therapist will create a safe environment for the client to process a traumatic memory. Then, the therapist will use a pointer or sometimes their finger to guide the client’s eyes around while the client thinks about the an experience or feeling. When the client’s eyes land on a certain spot (called a brainspot), their brain might feel a little more connected to the big feelings or memories, and this is the “spot” within the brains that’s been holding on to the trauma.

By focusing on the brainspot, it will bring to the surface the “stuck” trauma. The client’s brain starts to work through the memories and feelings, kind of like cleaning out a messy drawer. The client doesn’t have to talk unless he wants to. The therapy is about feeling the emotion and by giving it the focus of which it’s probably never had, then the stored trauma starts to release out of the body and mind.

This fight, flight or freeze part of the brain has deeply stored trauma. This trauma can show up in all kinds of unwanted and indirect ways that negatively affect our emotions and lives. Releasing this can show up in physical sensations or tightness or even pain. It can also show up in a strong emotion or trigger another memory of which could benefit from a release.

By the end of the session, people feel lighter, calmer, less stuck, tired, or overwhelmed. Every session can bring a different feeling by the end of the session and there is no one-specific manner of which the trauma is released. It might take a few sessions to feel a noticeable change, however each one helps and unlike talk therapy, the client can have a big shift in their life after only a few sessions. It’s like giving a person’s brain a chance to clean up and feel better without needing to figure out or verbalize the issues.

Common uses and benefits.

Brainspotting is a versatile therapeutic approach that can address a variety of mental health challenges. By targeting specific “brainspots” related to emotional and physical distress, this method has shown to be effective in treating conditions that traditional therapies may struggle to address.

Some conditions with which Brainspotting can help:

Trauma and PTSD – Brainspotting reduces trauma symptoms by directly accessing the traumatic memory.

Anxiety and Depression – It allows clients to work through the underlying triggers.
Chronic Pain and Physical Symptoms – Brainspotting can reduce symptoms in the body by addressing the emotional trauma that may contribute to pain.
Addiction Recovery – It helps individuals resolve deep-rooted traumas that might drive addictive behaviors.
Performance Anxiety – Brainspotting helps clear mental blocks and improve focus and resilience.

This approach is tailored and gentle, allowing clients to control the pacing of their healing. One benefit of using this approach over many others is that it is non-verbal, being more comfortable for those whom struggle to articulate trauma. Brainspotting allows for quick, targeted processing for specific events or issues compared to some traditional talk therapies.

Who is it best suited for?

Although Brainspotting can work quickly for certain types of trauma, it is not the best option for someone at a critical level. According to this article from the Cleveland Clinic, the people most suited for Brainspotting have struggles with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleep and creativity blocks.

In addition, Brainspotting targets deeply rooted emotional triggers and trauma often associated with addiction. By accessing the midbrain, it helps process “stuck” trauma, which can influence addictive behaviors.

Experts believe that Brainspotting when integrated into addiction recovery programs, help clients achieve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety and decrease cravings. This is because of its ability to resolve underlying trauma, which is often a cause of addictive behaviors.

In a 2014 study by Hildebrand, et. al, Brainspotting was shown to be particularly effective for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Within just a few sessions, participants were able to have significant relief of symptoms.

Experts caution against using Brainspotting therapy if a client has a diagnosed mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Clients should speak with a qualified professional before choosing Brainspotting as a therapeutic approach.

Is Brainspotting the right treatment for your loved one?

Brainspotting is a powerful tool for those seeking a non-verbal, targeted approach to heal trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and physical pain. This modality is showing a particular benefit for adolescents and young adults. To know more about treatment programs that incorporate Brainspotting, schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss.

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