- Apr 15
- 5 min read

Treating Trauma with Brainspotting

Trauma is an insidious force that can shape our lives in ways we may not fully understand. Traditional therapy has long been the beacon of hope for those navigating the treacherous waters of traumatic experiences, providing a safe harbor for healing. But despite its indisputable merits, therapy has continued to evolve, producing new, more targeted approaches to deep-seated emotional wounds. In this exploration, we'll dive into the revolutionary method of brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy that offers a direct path into the complexities of trauma, instigating profound emotional releases and encouraging a stronger sense of self.

Understanding Brainspotting

Bringing to the forefront the experience of being present with one's trauma, brainspotting is more than just a therapy; it is a shift in paradigm. Unlike traditional talk therapies, brainspotting capitalizes on the brain-body connection, acknowledging the profound effect that visual focus has on our emotional state. Therapists who practice brainspotting guide clients to access the natural self-scanning capacity of our body's control system, the brain, to release trauma where it is held—the deepest layers of the subconscious.

How Brainspotting Works

The process of brainspotting involves identifying an eye position (or "spot") that correlates with the sensorimotor memory network holding the trauma. By maintaining this eye position, the client can access and process the trauma-related activation in a contained manner. This technique promotes dual attunement—a careful synchronization between the therapist attuning to the client's experience and the client attuning to their internal processing. Through this, clients can reframe their traumatic experience and facilitate the release of associated emotional and physiological distress.

Walking Through a Brainspotting Session

A typical brainspotting session begins in a comfortable, safe environment, where the client feels secure enough to explore deeply buried emotions. The therapist starts by grounding the client, often through simple mindfulness or breathing exercises, to nurture a state of calm awareness. This preparatory phase is crucial for establishing trust and safety, setting the stage for a successful therapeutic journey.

Once the groundwork is laid, the therapist encourages the client to bring to mind a specific traumatic event or emotional issue they wish to address. While the client focuses on this internal experience, the therapist guides them to find the eye position that connects to the trauma—the brainspot. This is achieved using a pointer or by having the client's gaze follow the therapist's hand. The spot is identified when the client experiences a peak in emotional or physical response.

Holding the gaze on this brainspot, the client then observes internal sensations, emotions, thoughts, and memories that arise, without attempting to alter or judge them. The therapist remains deeply attuned to the client's process, offering support and acknowledging the client's experience. This phase allows the client to process the trauma deeply, facilitated by the focused eye position.

By maintaining this visual lock, clients may experience a range of emotions and physical sensations, often leading to profound releases and insights. The therapist supports the client throughout, helping them to stay present and gently guiding the exploration of their inner landscape.

The session usually concludes with a period of debriefing and re-grounding. The therapist and client might discuss feelings, thoughts, and insights that emerged during the session, integrating the experience to empower the client's healing path. The goal is to leave the session feeling a sense of progress, understanding, and often, relief or lightness.

In brainspotting, healing is profoundly personal and unique to each individual's experience. The process is flexibly tailored to meet the client's needs, making every brainspotting session a distinct journey towards emotional freedom and resilience.

Benefits of Brainspotting

The benefits of brainspotting go beyond mere symptom reduction. It's renowned for pinpointing and dismantling the root causes of trauma in a way that's often quicker and more direct than traditional methods. Its nonverbal nature can also be particularly beneficial for clients who find it hard to articulate their trauma verbally, such as children, and for experiences that predate language development. Furthermore, brainspotting has displayed versatility, proving effective in treating a wide array of trauma types, from single-incident events to complex, long-standing traumas.

Brainspotting in Practice

With anecdotes and data alike, practitioners and patients have attested to the efficacy of brainspotting. Its power lies in the shared testimonies of therapists and clients who have experienced first-hand breakthrough moments that completely altered their trajectory toward healing. These revelations act as a beacon for others, showcasing brainspotting as a potent ally in the ecosystem of trauma recovery.

Comparing Brainspotting with Other Modalities

Brainspotting, while relatively new, has established itself firmly among trauma therapy modalities, particularly when contrasted with approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). The primary distinction lies in the methodologies employed to access and process traumatic memories.

EMDR, similar to brainspotting, utilizes the connection between eye movements and the brain's ability to process trauma. However, EMDR focuses on the rhythmic eye movements from side to side, aiding in diminishing the emotional impact of traumatic memories. This is different from brainspotting, which identifies and holds a single eye position to access and release trauma, without the continuous movement.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) also shares some similarities with brainspotting, in that it harnesses the power of eye movements. ART uniquely integrates a directive approach, using rapid eye movements to help clients visualize and then alter the negative images associated with their traumas. In contrast, brainspotting takes a more focused and less directive approach, allowing clients to process their emotions and trauma deeply without necessarily altering their traumatic memories.

In essence, while both EMDR and ART share the common thread of using eye movements as part of the therapeutic process, they differ in execution and underlying philosophy from brainspotting. Brainspotting offers a more introspective and less structured approach, prioritizing the body's natural healing capabilities and the unique brain-body connection of each individual. This makes brainspotting particularly adaptable and personalized, allowing for a deep, nuanced exploration of trauma and emotional healing.

Tips for Finding a Brainspotting Therapist

For someone navigating the complexities of trauma and seeking a brainspotting therapist, beginning the search can feel daunting. A practical first step is to utilize the Brainspotting International Association's website, which provides a comprehensive directory of certified brainspotting therapists around the globe. This directory allows individuals to filter searches based on location and specialization, ensuring a better match to their specific needs. Additionally, consulting with mental health professionals or joining relevant online forums and social media groups can offer personal recommendations and insights into the effectiveness of different practitioners. It's vital to remember that therapy is highly personal, so it may take time to find the right therapist-client fit. When reaching out to potential therapists, don't hesitate to inquire about their experience with trauma therapy, brainspotting qualifications, and approach to treatment. Establishing a connection and feeling comfortable with your therapist is crucial for a successful therapy experience.

Is Brainspotting Therapy the Right Approach For You?

Brainspotting is not a cure-all for every form of trauma, but it stands as a testament to the evolution of therapeutic practice. It demonstrates an unyielding thrust toward understanding trauma at its most profound level and offering survivors a new vantage point for their healing journeys. In sharing this innovative approach, the intent is to broaden the horizons of those who seek solace from their traumatic past, to share the tools capable of initiating hope, and to champion the continuance of therapeutic advancements.

For those considering stepping into the realm of brainspotting, our hope is that your search will culminate in a partnership that fosters the restoration of your mind, body, and spirit. And for those who may not directly benefit from brainspotting, we encourage you to stay open to the dialogue, to support its continued exploration and integration into the vast landscape of trauma therapy.