Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is a brain-body centered therapeutic modality that utilizes the brain’s ability to heal through stimulating the nervous system in a way that allows the brain the opportunity to process and decrease problematic symptoms.
What this means is this therapeutic process allows you the ability to process past traumas, anxieties, phobias, and other symptoms you may be struggling with, through a combination of having you choose an issue to process as well as using your eyes to find a relative eye position.
To illustrate what we mean by relative eye position, imagine you are talking to someone and they ask “What did you have for dinner last weekend.” What would your reaction be? Would you maintain eye contact as you think about the answer or would your eyes wander around as you try to remember the answer?
For most individuals you will find that your eyes wander a bit as you try to remember. This can apply to any type of question being asked, whether it is “What is 50 plus 534?” or trying to remember something for an exam. You will notice that your eyes most likely wonder, even subtly.
The reason behind this is the theory that as our eyes wander externally, they access our brain internally, and we are looking for said file that holds the answer.
Brainspotting uses this same concept to help patients retrieve hidden traumas and painful memories that may be making them feel unwell. Instead of your eyes subconsciously moving around as you try to recall information, brainspotting has you think of a topic and instead utilize your focused eye placement to help better access the “folder” (or, “brainspot”) in your brain that is linked to that topic
By processing this information, it can help you feel neutral or gain a sense of closure about a previously unpleasant topic and contribute to overall wellbeing and emotional health.
What to Expect During a Brainspotting Session:
Starting in a Brainspotting session is done from a place of safety and security under the guidance of a trained Brainspotting individual.
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Firstly, you will identify an issue you would like to focus on. To help enhance the brain’s processing ability the therapist may have you listen to Biliatrial music (music that pendulates from the left to right).
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Next, the therapist will guide you to notice how the topic manifests in a somatic (body) reaction (tight chest, pounding heart, tight gut, sweaty palms). hese somatic sensations are external manifestations of the internal sensations tied to the topic being processed.
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Next, we will find the fixed relevant eye position (Brainspot) that is most closely associated with the topic and somatic expression. The Brainspot will help you access the subcortical part of your brain, allowing you to process and create positive progression in trauma healing.
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Lastly, once you find the Brainspot the therapist will encourage you to notice your body reaction and follow where your brain takes you. This is where the work is done, as the therapist uses the dual-attunement to provide the safe space, you will follow your brain’s journey through the process.
Through this processing journey you will find your brain making connections and discovering different understandings of past situations all while decreasing/eliminating the distressing emotions or thoughts associated with the topic.
Who Should Consider Doing Brainspotting:
Brainspotting has a large range of applications including therapy, spirituality and performance enhancement. It can be used to alleviate the emotions of unpleasant memories, decrease problematic symptoms, as well as aid in the process of clearing past traumas. Most common uses of Brainspotting therapy include:
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Major Trauma
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Depression
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Anxiety/Panic
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Chronic Pain
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Addictive Behaviors
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Obsessive and Compulsive Behaviors
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Painful Memories
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Phobias
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Limiting Beliefs
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Negative Cognitions
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And more…
Brainspotting can also be used to explore oneself and gain a deeper understanding of their identity. it can enhance drive and productivity by promoting a healthy mind and overcome barriers like performance anxiety, creative block and lack of focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Do I Need to Prepare for a Brainspotting Session?
There is no pre-work for most Brainspotting sessions. In some cases your Brainspotting practitioner may have you read or research information in regards to there Brainspotting so that you can ask questions before the session. Other than that, the only thing you need to do is come with an open mind and have a topic you want to work on already chosen.
Is Brainspotting For Me?
Yes, Brainspotting is modality that can work with almost any diagnosis or symptom a client may be going through. Whether a client is ready to begin Brainspotting is a discussion to have with your practitioner/therapist.
Can I Still See My Current Therapist and Another Therapist for Brainspotting?
Yes! Brainspotting is a specialty therapy and can be used to treat specific issues or topics that the client wants to work on. It is very common practice for a client to have seek Brainspotting from a practitioner/therapist and Psychotherapy from another therapist.
Is This Modality Dangerous?
Although this is a newer modality, the basis of which the modality was founded under show that there is no potential danger to the client. However, just like any other therapeutic modality used- in the therapeutic journey it may get worse before it gets better.
If you have any doubts or are nervous about the process, talk to your Brainspotting practitioner/therapist about your concerns and what about the process you may have doubts about. Being open about how you are feeling in regards to the process is crucial so please share!
Is This Safe For Children?
Yes! Brainspotting has been used on kids in the past. If you click on “Find a Therapist” on the top right hand corner, you can find a Brainspotting professional that has a specialization of using the modality with children.
How Many Brainspotting Session Do I Need?
Like any therapy process you can’t predict how many Brainspotting sessions you may need. Everyone is different and everyone process differently. Some clients can finish their process in a session, whereas, others may need a few sessions to process everything. The journey is different for everyone, if you have questions ask your Brainspotting practitioner!