Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that helps people process and release deep-seated emotional or physical pain, trauma, and other challenging symptoms. It works by focusing on specific eye positions—called "Brainspots"—that are tied to areas of distress in the brain and body. This technique is particularly effective for issues that are difficult for the conscious mind to reach, such as trauma, anxiety, or body pain.
The therapist helps the client locate these "Brainspots" by observing subtle changes in the client's eye movements or body responses. These responses—like eye twitches, facial expressions, or changes in breathing—signal that a significant emotional or physical issue has been activated. Once a Brainspot is identified, the therapist helps the client focus on it while also guiding them to process the feelings or sensations linked to the trauma or pain.
Brainspotting is often paired with Biolateral Sound, which involves playing sounds alternately in each ear. This helps stimulate both sides of the brain, enhancing the healing process. For clients who are more sensitive or dealing with extreme trauma, the therapist might start without the sound and add it later as the client becomes more comfortable.
The technique works by accessing deeper parts of the brain and body, specifically the autonomic nervous system (which controls things like heart rate and breathing) and the limbic system (the brain's emotional center). When the Brainspot is held and focused on, it stimulates the brain and nervous system to begin healing and releasing old, unprocessed emotional or physical tension.
One key benefit of Brainspotting is that it doesn't require the client to talk about or analyze the trauma in detail. Instead, it uses the body's own natural ability to "self-scan" and release stored pain or tension. This makes the process deeply healing but less emotionally overwhelming, as the body is doing much of the work, with the therapist guiding the process.
Brainspotting can be used to address a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical issues. It's effective for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even conditions like PTSD, eating disorders, and dissociation. It's also valuable in working with other therapies like bodywork, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy.
Clinicians who offer Brainspotting:
The therapist helps the client locate these "Brainspots" by observing subtle changes in the client's eye movements or body responses. These responses—like eye twitches, facial expressions, or changes in breathing—signal that a significant emotional or physical issue has been activated. Once a Brainspot is identified, the therapist helps the client focus on it while also guiding them to process the feelings or sensations linked to the trauma or pain.
Brainspotting is often paired with Biolateral Sound, which involves playing sounds alternately in each ear. This helps stimulate both sides of the brain, enhancing the healing process. For clients who are more sensitive or dealing with extreme trauma, the therapist might start without the sound and add it later as the client becomes more comfortable.
The technique works by accessing deeper parts of the brain and body, specifically the autonomic nervous system (which controls things like heart rate and breathing) and the limbic system (the brain's emotional center). When the Brainspot is held and focused on, it stimulates the brain and nervous system to begin healing and releasing old, unprocessed emotional or physical tension.
One key benefit of Brainspotting is that it doesn't require the client to talk about or analyze the trauma in detail. Instead, it uses the body's own natural ability to "self-scan" and release stored pain or tension. This makes the process deeply healing but less emotionally overwhelming, as the body is doing much of the work, with the therapist guiding the process.
Brainspotting can be used to address a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical issues. It's effective for treating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even conditions like PTSD, eating disorders, and dissociation. It's also valuable in working with other therapies like bodywork, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy.
Clinicians who offer Brainspotting:
