What to Know About Brainspotting
Mental health researchers are always looking for new approaches to address trauma. One of the latest methods is brainspotting, which taps into the brain’s innate ability to heal itself. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking for alternative methods to address unresolved trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress, brainspotting can give you a path to recovery. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and processing “brainspots.” These are eye positions that correlate with stored emotional pain or trauma. The premise is simple: where you look affects how you feel. By focusing on a specific point in your visual field, brainspotting helps access deep, subcortical parts of the brain where unresolved memories and emotions are stored.
Unlike talk therapy, which primarily engages the neocortex (the thinking part of the brain), brainspotting targets the limbic system and brainstem, which are responsible for our emotional and survival responses. This allows people to process and release trauma at a deeper level, often without needing to articulate or rehash painful memories.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
A typical brainspotting session begins with the therapist guiding the client to focus on a specific issue or emotion they want to work on in therapy. The therapist then uses a pointer or their hand to guide the client’s gaze across their visual field, paying attention to subtle cues such as blinking, facial expressions, or body tension. These cues help identify a “brainspot” where the distress is stored.
Once the brainspot is located, the client keeps their gaze on that point while exploring their internal experience. This may involve noticing physical sensations, emotions, or memories that arise. The therapist provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for the client to work through the experience.
The Science Behind Brainspotting
Brainspotting is grounded in neuroscience and the understanding of how trauma is stored in the brain and body. Traumatic experiences often bypass the brain’s logical processing centers and become stuck in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting facilitates the brain’s ability to reorganize and create new neural connections. By accessing and releasing these stuck memories, the brain can integrate them in a healthier way.
Research has shown that brainspotting is particularly effective for conditions such as:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and depression
Chronic pain
Addictions
Performance anxiety
Grief and loss
What Makes Brainspotting Unique?
Several features set brainspotting apart from other therapeutic approaches:
Client-Led Process: While the therapist provides guidance, the client’s brain leads the way. This allows clients to explore their inner world at their own pace.
Nonverbal Healing: Brainspotting doesn’t require clients to verbally recount their trauma. This makes it a great approach for those who struggle to put their experiences into words or who are triggered by telling someone about their trauma.
Whole-Body Integration: The method recognizes the connection between the brain and body, which means it addresses the physical manifestations of emotional pain.
Flexible and Versatile: Brainspotting can be adapted to suit various issues, from trauma recovery to enhancing athletic or creative performance.
What to Expect During a Brainspotting Session
Preparation: The session typically begins with a brief conversation about the issue you want to work on. Your therapist may ask about specific goals or symptoms.
Finding the Brainspot: Using a pointer or their hand, the therapist will guide your gaze while observing your physical and emotional reactions.
Processing: Once a brainspot is identified, you’ll focus on that spot while tuning into your internal experience. This can involve noticing shifts in sensations, emotions, or thoughts.
Closure: The therapist will help you ground yourself and reflect on the session while making sure you leave feeling calm and supported.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
If you’re dealing with severe trauma or have difficulty regulating your emotions, reach out to a trained brainspotting therapist. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that will fit your specific needs.
