Brainspotting Explained and What Can It Help With

If you think of spots, your mind may immediately think of the spots on a Dalmatian like in the movie 101 Dalmatians. Maybe you thought of the spots on a cow, a ladybug, a leopard, or a butterfly. 

Spots are everywhere. You're probably aware of the different spots you may see in your own day-to-day life, like in nature, patterns, accents, and more. 

But have you ever heard of brainspotting? Let's learn more about brainspotting and what it can help with. 

What is Brainspotting? 

Brainspotting is a form of therapy that can help clients process traumatic experiences. This therapy technique combines aspects of different forms of therapy like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR, mindfulness, and therapy that is focused on the brain and body. Similar to EMDR therapy, a change in eye position can help to identify brainspots that are linked to certain emotions, experiences, or stressful situations that are being held in the brain and body. 

A brainspot is an eye position that has a connection to a traumatic experience. The specific eye position can bring the traumatic experience to the forefront again to bring the body and brain back to awareness and acknowledgment of the traumatic event. Once the body and brain are able to process the information and emotions relating to that traumatic event, a sense of release occurs and the body and brain can return back to a state of normalcy. The brainspot is essentially a way for the body and brain to process those stored emotions and information and move forward again. 

What It Can Help With 

Brainspotting was developed in 2003, but research has already shown that it's a highly effective treatment option for individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. These are some of the other disorders or mental health issues that brainspotting has been known to help with: 

• Abuse - emotional, physical, or sexual 

• Addiction 

• Anger 

• Anxiety 

• Athletic performance 

• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) 

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) 

• Chronic pain 

• Complex trauma 

• Depression 

• Developmental trauma 

• Fears or phobias 

• Health issues 

• Low self-esteem 

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

• Public speaking 

• Professional percformance 

• Sleeping issues (insomnia, etc.) 

• Substance abuse 

• Stress 

• Unhealthy patterns 

How Does Brainspotting Work 

Now that you know more about what brainspotting is, let's dive into how brainspotting actually works. Brainspotting is a short-term treatment option that typically involves anywhere between one to three sessions that are 60-90 minutes in length. 

First, you'll work together to build a relationship with your therapist so that you feel safe and secure before trying out brainspotting for the first time. You want to build a sense of trust, security, and safety before moving forward. 

You and your therapist will work together to find feelings in your body. Maybe you are wondering how you find brainspots. Brainspots can be found by experiencing bodily sensations or being drawn to a past memory. After finding a spot, your therapist will help you hold your gaze to acknowledge, accept, and process it. 

After a brainspotting session, you and your therapist will talk about the next steps. A therapist may recommend additional sessions to work through different brainspots, or you may continue another form of therapy. 

Treatment Options and Next Steps 

Brainspotting could be a great treatment option, especially if you're dealing with past trauma. Brainspotting can help you finally process your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and move forward in your life again. It's time to finally let go of the trauma you're holding onto and find your new normal again. Your trauma doesn't define you. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation to learn more about brainspotting.