Therapist's Corner
Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is a brain-body centered therapeutic modality that utilizes the brain’s ability to health through stimulating the nervous system in a way that allows the brain the ability to process and decrease problematic symptoms. Brainspotting utilizes the connection between the eye focal and nervous system to assist in the process of retrieving and processing current and past symptoms.
Research throughout the years has proven multiple connections between the eyes and the brain. In Brainspotting it is theorized that the an individual’s visual field contains the access point that can stimulate the brain and allow the individual to access the information and emotions within the subcortical. Understanding Prevost’s Sign we are better able to gain an understanding of how powerful the relationship between eye placement and the persons neurophysiological are related.
This brain-eye axis was noted by Swiss physician Jean-Louis Prévost, who noted that “in all cases [of acute hemiplegia] I have observed, the two ocular axes were always deviated to the side opposite the paralysis, thus the two eyes looked towards the damaged hemisphere”[1] Named “Prévost’s Sign,” this was one of the first instances of scientific recognition of the connection of eye placement and loci of neurophysiological significance
Applying the phenomenon, we can theorize that the eye and brain connection can be analyzed by the idea where we look externally has a relevant spot in our brain, which can be utilized in the accessing and processing of adverse memories and symptoms.
Through incorporating the dual attunement of the therapist and client, we can utilize the brain-body’s innate reactions to relevant eye positions, and create an environment that allows the client to decrease symptoms and or emotions associated with distressing memories.
Prévost MJL: Déviation des yeux et de la tête dans quelques cas d’hémiplegie. Gazette Hebdomadaire de Medicine et de Chirurgie. 1865, 41: 649-650.
Why Become Trained in Brainspotting?
Therapist Resources **Coming Soon**
Building your Brainspotting Practice
How to Become Trained in Brainspotting
Trained vs. Certified Brainspotting
How to Do Research in Brainspotting
How to Publish in Journal of Brainspotting Practice & Research