Brainspotting is a powerful, focused, brain-body therapy that helps clients process and release emotional distress and trauma by using specific eye positions (brainspots) that correlate with where these experiences are stored in the deep, non-verbal parts of the brain. The core principle is: “Where you look affects how you feel”. Brainspotting was developed from EMDR by Dr. David Grand
1. The Basic Concept: “Where you look affects how you feel”
Have you ever noticed how your gaze naturally shifts when you’re thinking hard, remembering something, or feeling a strong emotion? It’s because your eyes are a direct window into how your brain is processing information. Brainspotting uses this natural connection between your eyes and your brain to help you access and release emotional stress and trauma that might be ‘stuck’ deep inside, beyond the reach of just talking about it.
Have you ever noticed how your gaze naturally shifts when you’re thinking hard, remembering something, or feeling a strong emotion? It’s because your eyes are a direct window into how your brain is processing information. Brainspotting uses this natural connection between your eyes and your brain to help you access and release emotional stress and trauma that might be ‘stuck’ deep inside, beyond the reach of just talking about it.
2. What is a “Brainspot”?
A ‘brainspot’ is a specific point in your field of vision that, when you focus on it, helps your brain zero in on an unprocessed issue or difficult feeling stored in your nervous system. Think of it like finding a ‘knot’ of tension in a muscle during a massage; focusing on that specific ‘spot’ allows your body’s natural healing process to work on releasing that tension.
A ‘brainspot’ is a specific point in your field of vision that, when you focus on it, helps your brain zero in on an unprocessed issue or difficult feeling stored in your nervous system. Think of it like finding a ‘knot’ of tension in a muscle during a massage; focusing on that specific ‘spot’ allows your body’s natural healing process to work on releasing that tension.
3. How a Session Works (The Client’s Experience):
In a Brainspotting session, we will first identify a specific issue or feeling you want to work on. Then:
In a Brainspotting session, we will first identify a specific issue or feeling you want to work on. Then:
- We locate the spot: We’ll use a pointer (or my finger) and move it slowly across your field of vision. As your eyes follow the pointer, we’ll pay close attention to where you feel the most emotional or physical intensity in your body related to that issue.
- We stay with the spot: Once we find the ‘brainspot’—that exact eye position that brings up the feeling the most—you will hold your gaze there.
- You process inwardly: With your gaze fixed, your brain and body can then process and release the stored stress or trauma naturally. This is often a quiet, internal process, and you don’t need to talk much unless you want to. Your brain is in the driver’s seat, guiding its own healing.
- I support you: Throughout the session, I’m here as a supportive, attuned presence, making sure you feel safe and grounded as your system processes the information.
4. Why It’s Different from Talk Therapy:
Traditional talk therapy usually engages the thinking, logical part of your brain (the neocortex). Brainspotting, however, works with the deeper, more emotional and reflexive parts of your brain (the subcortex) where trauma is actually stored. This means it can help when you feel ‘stuck,’ or if talking about a problem repeatedly hasn’t provided lasting relief.
Traditional talk therapy usually engages the thinking, logical part of your brain (the neocortex). Brainspotting, however, works with the deeper, more emotional and reflexive parts of your brain (the subcortex) where trauma is actually stored. This means it can help when you feel ‘stuck,’ or if talking about a problem repeatedly hasn’t provided lasting relief.
5. What to Expect After:
You might notice shifts in your mood, energy, or have new insights in the days and weeks following a session. The processing continues after you leave the session. The goal is to help you feel less triggered by past events, more emotionally regulated, and have a greater sense of well-being.
You might notice shifts in your mood, energy, or have new insights in the days and weeks following a session. The processing continues after you leave the session. The goal is to help you feel less triggered by past events, more emotionally regulated, and have a greater sense of well-being.
My scope of practice:
While I am feeling comfortable holding space for people in processing stress, tension, emotion and minor trauma, please note that I am not a Councillor or Psychologist. If you have any major trauma I recommend you see a councillor or Psychologist who also offers EMDR or Brainspotting.
It can be benefical to combine your Brainspotting session with a Reiki & SoundHealing session afterwards to support integration before going back to whatever you do in your day. If somehow possible, maybe plan to have a bit of time for grounding and integration after your session.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am happy to help.
