What to Know About Brainspotting Therapy

Brainspotting is a powerful therapy that helps people process trauma by tapping into deep emotional and neurological pathways. The therapy identifies specific eye positions, or “brainspots,” linked to unresolved stress or negative memories. By focusing on these points, individuals can release trauma, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting targets the brain’s limbic system for deeper healing. Recognized for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression, it offers a unique, science-backed approach to lasting recovery.

In our article, we’ll discuss  the question: what is brainspotting therapy?, as well as how brain spotting works, its benefits, and what you can expect in a brainspotting therapy session. You’ll also get connected with effective mental health treatment near you. 

What Is Brainspotting?

David Grand, a psychotherapist, is best known for discovering Brainspotting in 2003. While working with an ice skater struggling with performance anxiety, he observed that her emotions were linked to specific eye positions. Through extensive research, clinical trials, and testing, he coined the term “brainspot” to describe a specific point in the visual field that elicits a strong reaction from the client [2]. Building on this discovery and his extensive therapeutic experience, Brainspotting emerged as a powerful treatment method. Today, it is a recognized form of therapy with breakthrough effects for individuals experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Brainspotting is a focused therapy that helps individuals process and release deeply rooted emotional and physical pain. Using eye positioning and biolateral sound, it taps into the brain’s limbic and autonomic systems, allowing for deep healing beyond conscious awareness. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting operates on a neurobiological level, unlocking trauma stored in the body. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, Brainspotting can serve as a powerful tool for emotional regulation, symptom reduction, and long-term recovery.

How Brainspotting Therapy Works

Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process trauma by targeting specific eye positions, known as Brainspots, that correspond to unresolved emotional pain. When someone recalls a traumatic experience, their body typically reacts with tension or distress. Brainspotting identifies the precise point in their visual field where that distressing emotion is strongest. By maintaining focus on that Brainspot, the brain can process and release stored trauma, leading to deep healing.

Similarly to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), this process is facilitated by a therapist who tracks their client’s responses and subtle cues such as eye twitches, pupil changes, body language, or shifts in breathing. Brainspotting engages key brain regions, including the limbic system and midbrain structures, which regulate emotional processing [1]. Within this therapy, bilateral sound is also used to enhance brain integration by gently shifting the volume between the left and right hemispheres, creating a rhythmic, calming effect that deepens access to the midbrain for more effective processing [3]. With the aid of bilateral sounds, Brainspotting allows traumatic memories to be reprocessed without causing stress, helping individuals regulate emotions and achieve lasting relief from PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. 

What a Brainspotting Therapy Session May Look Like

During a Brainspotting therapy session, a certified mental health professional will guide you through a process designed to help you access and process lingering emotions. The session begins with the therapist asking you to identify a distressing situation or emotion, whether from the present or past, that you would like to work through. 

As you describe the experience, they will help you tune into any physical sensations that arise. Using a pointer, the therapist will slowly move it across your visual field (left to right, up and down), asking you to track its movement and identify the point where the emotion or sensation feels strongest—this will help you and your therapist locate your “Brainspot”. Once located, you will be instructed to maintain focus on this spot while mentally reviewing the experience, allowing your thoughts to come up naturally and giving space for deep brain processing to occur. 

Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting requires minimal verbal interaction; instead, the therapist acts as a guide, supporting your natural healing process. Sessions typically last between 20 to 50 minutes, depending on individual needs. 

Throughout the session, you may experience physical discomfort as your body processes anxiety, stress, or trauma-related sensations. This can manifest as tension in your chest, stomach, or shoulders. These sensations and emotional releases like crying or feeling relief or peace are expected as part of the healing process. Your therapist will check in periodically, ensuring you feel safe and supported. If at any point the emotions become overwhelming, you are encouraged to take a break or pause the session.

Closing out the session is an important step in integration [4]. Your therapist will guide you in reflecting on your experience and discussing any emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations that arose. They may also explore how these sensations were connected to past experiences and provide grounding techniques if needed. To ensure a smooth transition back into daily life, your therapist will outline the next steps in your treatment plan and discuss what to expect in future sessions.

What Brainspotting Therapy Can Help With

Since Brainspotting Therapy is used to process repressed emotions and negative memories, it is especially beneficial for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leaving individuals with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, heightened anxiety, and emotional distress. Brainspotting for PTSD helps reprocess these traumatic memories by identifying where they are stored in the brain and body, allowing for deep emotional healing.

Brianspotting has been used to treat the following mental health conditions and traumatic experiences:

1. Anxiety, Depression, and Emotional Dysregulation: Brainspotting therapy is effective in treating anxiety and depression, helping individuals regulate overwhelming emotions and rewire negative thought patterns. By accessing and releasing stored trauma, Brainspotting can improve mood stability and enhance overall well-being.
2. Childhood Trauma and Attachment Wounds: Unresolved childhood trauma and attachment wounds can have lasting emotional effects. Brainspotting for trauma helps individuals process painful childhood experiences, improving their ability to form healthy relationships and emotional connections.
3. Panic Disorders and Stress-Related Conditions: Brainspotting trauma therapy can target specific fears and anxieties, helping individuals process phobias, panic disorders, and high-stress responses. By addressing the root cause of these issues, Brainspotting reduces their intensity and frequency.
4. Chronic Pain Relief: Since trauma is often stored in the body, Brainspotting can help alleviate chronic pain conditions linked to emotional distress. This therapy has been used to help individuals suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and muscle tension by releasing trauma-related physical stress.
5. Performance Anxiety: Brainspotting is widely used to enhance performance in athletes, musicians, and public speakers. By identifying and processing subconscious fears and stress responses, Brainspotting can help individuals improve focus, confidence, and overall performance in high-pressure situations.

Brainspotting Therapy offers a unique, targeted approach to healing emotional and physical distress, making it a valuable tool for individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges.

Benefits of Brainspotting Therapy

The benefits of Brainspotting can vary from person to person, but many report significant positive outcomes with minimal risk. By identifying and processing deep emotional wounds, Brainspotting can lead to:

• Emotional regulation: Helping individuals manage stress and trauma responses.
• Improved trauma processing: Allowing for deeper healing of past experiences.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Easing symptoms of panic and emotional overwhelm.
• Alleviation of chronic pain: Linked to stored emotional distress.
• Enhanced creative thinking: unlock mental clarity and problem-solving abilities.
• Better sleep: decreased stress and heightened feelings can aid in sleep quality.

With its gentle yet profound approach, Brainspotting helps individuals regain control and experience peace with their emotions, benefitting their overall well-being.

Effectiveness of Brainspotting

Brainspotting is often compared to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for trauma treatment. Research [5] suggests that while EMDR may provide slightly faster symptom relief, Brainspotting offers similar long-term effectiveness in trauma resolution. If you find that EMDR or CBT are not the best fit, Brainspotting may be a positive alternative with very similar results. 

Studies have demonstrated that Brainspotting significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression, with many clients reporting lasting improvements [5]. While some skepticism exists due to its new status, scientific studies and clinical applications continue to support its effectiveness. Unlike CBT, which focuses on cognitive restructuring, Brainspotting works on a deeper, neurological level, providing relief for those who struggle with symptoms that are resistant to traditional talk therapy. Future research aims to expand its applications across a wider range of mental health conditions and populations. 

Things to Consider Before Trying Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a highly effective therapy, but it’s important to manage expectations. Those who struggle with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress may benefit from this treatment. However, sessions can bring up intense emotions or physical sensations, making self-care, personal advocation, and careful therapist guidance essential.

To ensure the best experience:

• Work with a certified Brainspotting counselor for proper guidance.
• Be prepared for emotional intensity and allow yourself time to process. 
• Always feel free to take a break or let your counselor know if the session is too distressing to complete 
• Practice post-session self-care, such as grounding exercises or relaxation techniques..

Brainspotting offers a transformative healing experience, but finding the right therapist and being open to the process will maximize its effectiveness for your specific needs. Lastly, be patient; it may take several sessions before you see significant improvements.

FAQs About Brainspotting Therapy

What Is Brain Spotting and How Does it Work?

Brainspotting is a therapeutic method that locates “Brainspots” linked to unresolved trauma. The therapist helps the client focus on these visual points in space, which allow the brain to process and release emotional pain.

How Is Brainspotting Different Than EMDR?

Both therapies treat trauma, but Brainspotting treatment focuses on fixed eye positions, while EMDR guides the client through rhythmic eye movements. Brainspotting trauma therapy is often more adaptable to individual needs, whereas EMDR is a bit more methodical in its approach. Both therapies have shown excellent results for the improvement of mental health-related conditions. 

Is Brainspotting Legitimate?

Yes, Brainspotting counseling has been around for over 20 years and is backed by neuroscience and used worldwide by therapists to help clients heal from trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. Continued research and clinical applications support its effectiveness for symptom reduction. 

Can You Do Brainspotting on Your Own?

While self-brainspotting is possible, working with a trained brainspotting counselor ensures a safer and more effective process, especially for those dealing with deep trauma.

Find Breakthrough Therapy at Connection Mental Health

Whether you are struggling with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or anxiety, Connections Mental Health is here to serve you. We offer the most advanced and up-to-date therapeutic modalities to help you achieve lasting mental health recovery. 

Our inpatient program gives you the opportunity to focus on your mental health journey without the stress of everyday pressures and distractions. Our knowledgeable staff provides effective support with patience, allowing you the space to relax and find a path toward personal healing. 

Our home-like facilities offer a variety of personalized therapies, including:

• 24/7 clinically supervised care
• Peaceful oceanside location
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Dual-diagnosis mental health treatment
• Aftercare planning
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Aftercare
• & More

If you’re ready to start healing, call Connection at 844-759-0999 today. 

Sources 

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25665861/

[2] https://brainspotting.com/about-brainspotting/

[3] https://www.brainspottingindy.org/post/bilateral-or-biolateral-music-for-brainspotting#:~:text=BIO%2Dlateral%20music%20was%20created,free%20options%20qualify%20as%20biolateral.

[4] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/brainspotting-therapy-and-how-it-works

[5] https://cab.unime.it/journals/index.php/MJCP/article/viewFile/1376/pdf_2