What is Brainspotting?
How does Brainspotting work?
The creator of Brainspotting, David Grand, PhD, LCSW combined his work using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Psychoanalysis, and Somatic Experiencing to create Brainspotting in 2003. Grand summarizes the basic theory of Brainspotting as “where you look affects how you feel.” You may have already noticed that you move your eyes to different spots as you try to recall a certain memory or that your eyes become fixated on a certain spot during difficult moments. Similarly, a trained Brainspotting clinician will help direct your gaze to certain spots that help you reprocess information from past events. Grand hypothesizes that eye position may even help us process memories stored in the subcortical brain, in areas that are associated with survival and the nervous system. Research on Brainspotting is still emerging but promising, and much like EMDR, may take time to become widely accepted. Brainspotting relies heavily on the relationship between the therapist and the client, both the instincts and intuition of the therapist and the clinician, and a belief that the brain has the capability to heal itself.
What can Brainspotting do for me?
Reprocessing trauma with Brainspotting can feel like reorganizing an old, messy filing cabinet. Memories or thoughts from traumatic events may have been stored in the wrong file or the whole file can feel like a jumbled mess that is hard to process. Revisiting a difficult event can help you move away from self-blame and confusion and help you move towards making important connections. As we reprocess events, our triggers reduce in severity and physical symptoms that stem from stress and trauma may also reduce. Brainspotting appears to be particularly good for those with chronic and complex trauma, since multiple events and topics can be processed at once, and because it incorporates parts work effectively. Speaking aloud is not necessary in Brainspotting, making it ideal as well for those that struggle to or do not wish to verbally recount a difficult memory. Brainspotting is not just for working through traumatic events; it can also help you reach your full potential. Those with difficulty speaking in public can use Brainspotting to reduce fears and reach new potential within their career path. Brainspotting has also been used extensively with professional and elite athletes to help them push through barriers and reach new levels.
Even our deepest triggers and fears can improve.
Nothing is “too much” or “too engrained” for Brainspotting work. Often those that have tried EMDR, TMS or ECT and did not achieve the desired results find relief in Brainspotting. A trained clinician can help you carefully monitor symptoms and progress to make sure you are regulated and feel secure before a session ends. You deserve to feel relief from your triggers and physical symptoms that are holding you back. Reach out to schedule a free consultation in order to see if Brainspotting might be right for you.