BRAINSPOTTING
How does Brainspotting work?
Brainspotting (BPS) is a therapeutic technique developed by psychologist Dr. David Grand in 2003. It’s grounded in neurobiology and is based on the idea that our eyes can reveal inner thoughts, emotions, and trauma.
BSP uses the brain’s natural ability to self-scan and self-heal. BSP finds points in the client’s visual field to reach subcortical parts of the brain that store trauma, to release the emotional charge around past experiences, negative patterns, and beliefs. It uses eye position, body awareness, focused mindfulness, and the therapist’s relational and neurobiological attunement to the client’s process.
BSP often uses bilateral sounds, such as music or nature sounds, that alternate between the right and left ears. This helps balance activation of the brain’s hemispheres and activates the parasympathetic, or calming, part of the nervous system.
BSP helps individuals process and resolve trauma by connecting with both distressed and calm areas in the body. The therapy often involves minimal talking and can lead to both rapid relief of distress and significant insights. It focuses on the subcortical brain, which can allow more efficient processing of trauma in a contained, supportive environment.
Neurobiology of Trauma and Brainspotting
Trauma significantly affects various subcortical brain structures, including the amygdala (associated with fear), insula (related to interoception), hippocampus (involved in memory), and cingulate cortex (responsible for self-regulation). Additionally, it adversely affects the prefrontal cortex, which governs concentration, decision-making, self-awareness, and social interactions.
Given that subcortical regions operate beyond conscious awareness and control, traditional talk therapies often have limited efficacy, as they primarily engage the prefrontal cortex. BrainSpotting (BSP) aims to circumvent the prefrontal cortex and directly access unresolved trauma stored in the subcortex. Building on Dr. Grand’s concept that “Where you look affects how you feel,” BSP targets subcortical brain areas using a client’s visual field, pinpointing specific “brainspots” that provide access to deep-seated neural structures.
The Benefits of Brainspotting
Brainspotting therapy helps individuals gain fresh insights into long-standing issues. This process can help release the impact of past traumas, enabling a renewed approach to personal, creative, and professional challenges. The immediate post-session experience varies from person to person; some may feel emotionally drained or vulnerable, while others might experience relief or even elation. Ultimately, Brainspotting helps individuals release traumatic experiences and limitations, fostering a sense of freedom and ease across all aspects of life.
Brain Spotting can address:
ANXIETY
ANGER
ATTACHMENT ISSUES
CHRONIC ILLNESS
DEPRESSION
GRIEF AND LOSS
PERFORMANCE BLOCKS: SCHOOL, WORK, ATHLETICS
RELATIONSHIPS ISSUES
STRESS/BURNOUT
TRAUMA, PTSD, CPTSD