“Where you look affects how you feel” – David Grand

Brainspotting is based off the theory that emotions from trauma can become stunk in your body which can lead to both physical and mental aliments.

Brainspotting is a newer cutting-edge treatment that focuses on the brain body connection. This type of therapy is known as a “bottom up” model of treatment, the goal being to release both the physical and emotional stress being stored in your body. This bottom-up treatment model help to access parts of the brain that traditional talk therapy cannot.

Brainspotting utilizes a person’s field of vision to access the parts of the brain with the traumatic or adverse memories are stored. When you focus on an eye position related to a negative experience you are then able to release the emotional and physical stress within that issue.

It is important to realize Brainspotting will not get rid of adverse life experiences or traumatic memories, but it works to alleviate the distress and emotions attached to the memories.

Lastly, Brainspotting can be used on its own or in conjunction with traditional talk therapy.

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BRAINSPOTTING FAQ

What is a brainspot?

“Unprocessed traumas are help in capsule form in the brain” – Robert Scaer, MD

A brainspot is an eye position that connects to the capsule containing someone’s memory or emotion bringing it to explicit (conscious) awareness where it can then be processed and healed. The brainspot is held with focused mindfulness.

What does a Brainspotting session look like?

To start a therapist will ask you what you would like to work on.

They will then ask you how activated you are (how much emotion you are feeling) and where you feel it in your body.

From there, the therapist will help you find the brainspot using a pointer going across your field of vision.

Once the brainspot is located, the therapist will have you hold your eyes in the spot for deep processing to occur. During a Brainspotting session the therapist may have you listen to biolateral sounds.

What can Brainspotting help with?

• Anxiety Disorders
• Anger
• Depression
• Emotion regulation
• Grief and loss
• Habit change
• Health
• Low self esteem
• Negative thought patterns
• Performance anxiety (athletic, professional, etc)
• Phobias or fears
• Post-traumatic stress
• Public speaking
• Stress
• Trauma: developmental, history of abuse, etc.

Will Brainspotting work for me?

If you:

• Experience any of the above
• Feel stuck in therapy
• Are tired of traditional talk therapy and feel like you are still dealing with the symptoms
• Have tried other forms of therapy with little to no success

…Then Brainspotting may work for you.

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Blog Disclaimer – These posts are not meant to treat, diagnose, or serve as a replacement for therapy. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact your local crisis center or dial 911. Here are more immediate resources as well.