Treating Trauma with Brainspotting
- Apr 28, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
When traditional talk therapy feels like it is only scratching the surface, brainspotting offers a direct path to the
root of the problem. This innovative method bridges the gap between the mind and body by using your visual field to pinpoint where deep emotional wounds are actually stored. You can finally stop over-analyzing your past and start physically releasing the tension that keeps you stuck in a cycle of stress.
How does brainspotting therapy work to resolve trauma?
Brainspotting works by identifying a specific eye position that connects to a traumatic memory held in the deep brain. By maintaining a fixed gaze on this "brainspot," you bypass the logical mind to access the subcortical brain where emotions and survival instincts live. This focused approach triggers the brain's natural ability to process and permanently release unresolved physical and emotional distress.
There is so much more to discover about how this simple yet profound technique can change your life, from what happens in a typical session to how it compares to other famous treatments. Keep reading to explore how your field of vision holds the key to unlocking a stronger sense of self and lasting emotional freedom.
Table of Contents
What is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting (BSP) is a psychotherapy that uses a person's field of vision to find where they are holding trauma in their brain. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, it grew out of his work with EMDR. He discovered that "where you look affects how you feel."
Brainspotting is an effective holistic approach to treatment for trauma and other disorders. It assumes that the brain has a natural ability to scan itself and heal. By locating a brainspot, the therapist helps the client focus and process difficult emotions that are normally out of reach.
Brainspotting Definition
The core brainspotting definition is a tool that locates points in the client’s visual field. These points help access the subcortical brain. This is the area responsible for motion, consciousness, and emotions. By focusing on these spots, a person can process unresolved traumatic experiences.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
You might wonder, how does brainspotting work? It starts with the idea that the brain stores trauma in a "sensorimotor memory network." When you focus on a specific eye position, you tap into this network.
Identify the Brainspot
The therapist helps you identify the brainspot by using a pointer. You follow the pointer with your eyes while thinking about a stressful issue. The therapist looks for reflexive signals. These might include:
Eye twitches
Heavier breathing
Changes in facial expression
Swallowing or blinking
Focus and Process
Once a spot is found, you focus and process the feelings that come up. You stay fixed on that eye position. This allows your brain to stay "locked" on the trauma without the distraction of moving your eyes or talking too much.
Release
The final goal is a release. This is a physical or emotional letting go. It helps the body move out of a "fight or flight" state. This process reduces PTSD symptoms and promotes emotional regulation.
The Science of the Brain-Body Connection
The brain-body connection is central to this work. Most therapies focus on the "top-down" approach. This means using the logical mind to change emotions. Brainspotting is a "bottom-up" therapy. It starts in the body and the deep brain, then moves up to the conscious mind.
Trauma often causes the nervous system to get stuck. This can lead to anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. Cerebral brainspotting therapy helps reset the nervous system. It uses the visual system to communicate directly with the brain's deep structures. This bypasses the logical mind which often tries to "rationalize" away the pain.
What Happens During a Brainspotting Session?
A brainspotting session is unique for every person. It usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Here is a step-by-step look at what to expect.
1. Grounding and Preparation
The session begins in a safe environment. The brainspotting counselor may start with deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation. This helps you feel calm and present.
2. Identifying the Issue
You choose a specific topic to work on. It could be a recent accident or a childhood memory. You notice where you feel that stress in your body.
3. Locating the Brainspot
The therapist uses a brainspotting pointer to move through your field of vision. You find the "hot spot" where your physical sensations feel the strongest.
4. Focused Processing
You hold your gaze on that spot. The therapist remains quiet but stays deeply attuned to you. You might listen to David Grand music (BioLateral sound) which uses alternating sounds in each ear to help the brain process.
5. Integration
The session ends with a debrief. You discuss any new insights. The goal is to leave feeling lighter and more grounded.
Key Benefits of Brainspotting
Brainspotting therapy offers many advantages over traditional methods.
Non-verbal: You do not have to explain every detail of your trauma. This is great for people who find talking difficult.
Self-directed: Your brain leads the healing process. The therapist acts as a guide.
Rapid Results: Many people find they process trauma faster than with talk therapy alone.
Versatile: It works for anxiety, depression, sports performance, and chronic pain.
Develops Self-Attunement: You become more aware of your body's signals and needs.
Brainspotting vs. EMDR: What is the Difference?
Many people ask about brainspotting vs. EMDR. Both are powerful, but they use different techniques.
Feature | EMDR | Brainspotting |
Eye Movement | Side-to-side (rapid) | Fixed eye position |
Structure | Highly structured 8-step protocol | Flexible and fluid |
Focus | Reducing the intensity of a memory | Deep processing and release |
Directness | Therapist-led | Client-led (Self-directed) |
While EMDR and brainspotting both help with trauma, brainspotting is often seen as less overstimulating. It allows for a deeper dive into the emotional roots of an issue.
Is Brainspotting Evidence-Based?
A common question is: is brainspotting evidence-based? While it is newer than EMDR, research is growing. A 2017 study by the Newton-Wellesley Hospital showed that brainspotting was highly effective for reducing PTSD symptoms.
Some critics point to a lack of massive clinical trials, leading to labels like brainspotting quackery or brainspotting quackwatch. However, thousands of practitioners and patients report life-changing results. Large organizations like the Mayo Clinic recognize it as a valid tool for trauma recovery.
Common Risks and Side Effects
Like any deep emotional work, there are brainspotting risks. It is not a "magic pill."
Brainspotting Side Effects
After a session, you might feel:
Physical exhaustion
Increased emotional sensitivity
Vivid dreams
Headaches
These are signs that your brain is reorganizing and healing. Brainspotting negative reviews often come from people who were not prepared for the emotional intensity of the process. It is important to work with a certified brainspotting therapist to manage these reactions.
How to Find a Brainspotting Therapist Near Me
If you are looking for brainspotting therapy near me, there are several ways to start.
Brainspotting International Association: Use their directory to find certified pros.
Online Platforms: You can find a betterhelp brainspotting therapist or check talkspace brainspotting options for remote sessions.
Training and Certification: Look for a brainspotting practitioner who has completed brainspotting training phase 1 and beyond.
Choosing a brainspotting counselor you trust is vital. You need to feel safe to explore your inner landscape.
Take the Next Step in Treating Trauma with Brainspotting Therapy
Treating trauma with brainspotting therapy offers a unique path to recovery. By using the brain-body connection, you can unlock parts of yourself that have been stuck for years. Whether you struggle with anxiety, PTSD, or deep-seated emotional pain, this method provides a direct way to find relief.
Healing is a personal journey. If talk therapy has not been enough, brainspotting might be the tool you need. It respects your brain's natural ability to heal and gives you the space to process at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Does brainspotting therapy really work?
Yes, many clients report significant relief from trauma and anxiety. It is widely used by therapists globally to help with emotional regulation and PTSD.
• How long does it take for brain spotting to work?
Some people feel a shift after just one session. However, complex trauma often requires several months of regular sessions to see lasting changes.
• Is brainspotting a hoax?
No, it is a recognized therapeutic technique based on neurobiology. While it is newer than some therapies, it is supported by case studies and a growing body of research.
• What are the main brainspotting side effects?
The most common side effects are tiredness and emotional vulnerability. These typically fade within 24 to 48 hours as the brain integrates the session.
• Can I do self brainspotting?
While you can practice basic grounding and gaze techniques alone, it is best to work with a professional for deep trauma. A therapist provides the "dual attunement" needed for safe processing.
If you or a loved one is struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, we want you to know that you're not alone. At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we believe in a collaborative approach to healing. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care that addresses the root causes of your emotional pain. We offer innovative therapies like brainspotting to help you navigate your healing journey. Let us partner with you to find a path toward recovery and renewed well-being. Call us today at (435) 222-5225 to learn more about how we can support you in reclaiming your life.
 |  |  |
About The Author
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
