Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused therapy method that helps people heal from trauma, emotional pain, and other challenging symptoms. It works by using eye positions to locate and process difficult experiences that are stored deep in the brain and body. This approach was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003 and is used worldwide to help people recover from trauma and improve their mental health.

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

• How It Works
• What to Expect
• Who Can Benefit
• Important Considerations
• Finding Help
• References

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How It Works

Brainspotting is based on the idea that "where you look affects how you feel." During a session, you work with a trained therapist to find specific eye positions (called "brainspots") that connect to your trauma or emotional distress. When you look at these spots while thinking about your difficult experience, your brain can naturally process and release the stored trauma.

The therapy uses your body's own healing abilities. Your therapist will help you notice physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts that come up while you focus on a brainspot. This process allows your nervous system to complete the healing that may have been interrupted when the trauma first happened.

What to Expect

During a Brainspotting session:

• You'll sit comfortably while your therapist uses a pointer to help you find the right eye position
• You might wear headphones with special bilateral sounds that help your brain process information
• You'll be encouraged to notice whatever comes up - feelings, memories, body sensations, or thoughts
• Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes
• You remain in control and can stop or pause at any time

You might experience:

• Emotional releases (crying, anger, or relief)
• Physical sensations (tension, warmth, or tingling)
• New insights or memories
• A sense of calm or resolution

Who Can Benefit

Brainspotting can help people dealing with:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Performance anxiety (sports, public speaking, etc.)
• Chronic pain
• Addiction recovery
• Relationship difficulties

You don't need to have experienced major trauma to benefit from Brainspotting. It can help with everyday stress, performance issues, and emotional blocks.

Important Considerations

Safety: Brainspotting should only be done with a trained and certified therapist. The process can bring up intense emotions, so proper support is essential.

Training: Therapists must complete specialised training to practice Brainspotting safely and effectively.

Individual Response: People respond differently to Brainspotting. Some feel better after one session, while others need multiple sessions to see significant changes.

Finding Help

If you're interested in trying Brainspotting, look for a licensed mental health professional who has completed official Brainspotting training. You can find certified practitioners through the official Brainspotting website or by asking mental health organisations in your area.

Remember that healing takes time, and it's normal to feel nervous about trying a new therapy. A good Brainspotting therapist will explain the process thoroughly and make sure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your sessions.

References

Brainspotting Institute. (2024). What is Brainspotting? https://brainspotting.com/about-brainspotting/what-is-brainspotting/

D'Antoni, F., Matiz, A., Fabbro, F., & Crescentini, C. (2022). Psychotherapeutic Techniques for Distressing Memories: A Comparative Study between EMDR, Brainspotting, and Body Scan Meditation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35162166/

Corrigan, F. M., Grand, D., & Raju, R. (2015). Brainspotting: sustained attention, spinothalamic tracts, thalamocortical processing, and the healing of adaptive orientation truncated by traumatic experience. Medical Hypotheses, 84(4), 384-394. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25665861/

Corrigan, F., & Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: recruiting the midbrain for accessing and healing sensorimotor memories of traumatic activation. Medical Hypotheses, 80(6), 759-766. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23570648/