Brainspotting Therapy
What Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003.
As well as being a funny-sounding word, it is a brain-based form of psychotherapy that uses a person’s field of vision to find where they are holding trauma and other negative experiences in their brain.
According to Brainspotting, where you look affects how you feel. We can learn much about what a person thinks based on where they look when discussing a situation. By identifying specific “brain spots,” otherwise known as places in the body where trauma is stored, you can release tension, understand where you hold onto negative emotions, and experience profound emotional shifts.
The result is reduced symptoms of somatic pain, such as headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, and other physical manifestations of trauma, which also reduces psychological symptoms.
Don’t worry – all of this happens under the guidance of a trained Brainspotting therapist, who will guide you through the process.
At New Leaf, our qualified counsellors are experienced and certified Brainspotting practitioners who incorporate Brainspotting Therapy into more comprehensive programmes of treatment that include other therapeutic interventions for a holistic, bespoke and effective counselling experience. That means you can benefit from traditional forms of talk therapy, supplemented by subconscious physical interventions such as Brainspotting to ensure you are as well equipped as possible to tackle the challenges you face with various evidence-backed tools.
Brainspotting is similar to eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), which the World Health Organisation endorses for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Benefits Of Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a highly effective therapy for addressing trauma and PTSD, enabling you to process and integrate challenging experiences. This approach, with its proven track record, enhances emotional regulation and alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, giving you the confidence and hope for a better future.
Many clients report rapid relief from traumatic experiences or PTSD through Brainspotting’s unique, somatic symptom-targeting method. It is especially effective when combined with other counselling interventions, maximizing your overall healing journey.
While many individuals notice significant symptom improvement in a relatively short time, we recommend ongoing maintenance sessions to support long-term recovery from trauma and PTSD. Your counsellor will actively collaborate with you to create a personalised follow-up plan tailored to your progress and healing goals, ensuring you are an integral part of your own healing journey.
How Does Brainspotting Therapy Work?
Before starting brain spotting, you’ll work with a certified therapist to develop stabilisation techniques, relaxation exercises, and grounding exercises to help you stay centred throughout the sessions. When brain spotting begins, the therapist will guide your eyes from side to side using a light or pointer, helping you locate what’s called the “brain spot.” This spot is crucial because it aids in releasing stored traumatic memories.
The brain spot is identified by finding which visual point feels the most calming or distressing. The spot that triggers the most discomfort is the brain spot.
Rhythmic bilateral sounds will alternate between your left and right ears during this process. Here, you’ll focus on the sensations and emotions that arise in your body.
Unlike other trauma treatments like EMDR or talk therapy, brain spotting doesn’t require you to discuss your trauma during the session.
The initial session of Brainspotting Therapy focuses on history-taking and preparation. The counsellor will use this time to understand your background, establish a safe and trusting environment, and explain the Brainspotting process.
During Brainspotting sessions, your counsellor will ensure that you feel safe and comfortable, and you are encouraged to communicate any discomfort or concerns.
The number of Brainspotting sessions required varies depending on individual needs and goals. While some clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions, others may benefit from a more extended course of therapy. Your counsellor will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
While Brainspotting is generally well-tolerated, some clients may experience temporary side effects such as increased emotional intensity, vivid dreams, or fatigue following a session. These reactions are normal and typically subside.
Brainspotting sessions often involve intense emotional processing. Your counsellor will guide you through integrating the insights gained during sessions into your daily life, possibly prescribing “homework” between sessions to cement the new learnings and reflect on progress made.
Steps To Take After a Brainspotting Therapy Session
- Avoid scheduling anything important or mentally demanding after your session.
- Allow yourself time to rest or even take a nap.
- Choose calming activities, like walking, reading, or practising yoga.
- Have someone you can reach out to if you feel like talking, or plan a quiet space for yourself if you'd prefer to process things alone.
- Be prepared with techniques to calm yourself if anxiety arises, such as grounding exercises or deep breathing.
D’Antoni, F. et al. (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), p. 1142. doi:10.3390/ijerph19031142.
Talbot, J., de la Salle, S. and Jaworska, N. (2022) ‘A paradigm shift in trauma treatment: Converging evidence for a novel adaptation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)’, The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 68(4), pp. 283–285. doi:10.1177/07067437221142283.
What is brainspotting? (no date) Brainspotting. Available at: https://brainspotting.com/ (Accessed: Summer 2024).
