bRAINSPOTTING
What is brainspotting and
how can it help you?
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting (BSP) is a powerful, focused therapeutic technique designed to help people access, process, and release emotional and physical pain. Discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003, it’s based on the principle that where you look affects how you feel.
Unlike talk therapy, which relies heavily on verbal expression, Brainspotting works on a deeper, somatic level, connecting the brain and body to uncover and resolve stored trauma, stress, or emotional blocks. This technique allows your brain to process and heal past experiences in a safe and effective way, often without requiring detailed retelling of the event.
How Does It Work?
Brainspotting identifies “brainspots”—specific eye positions that correspond to where trauma, distress, or an emotional trigger is stored in your brain and body.
Here’s how the process typically works:
Focus on the Issue: You and your practitioner identify a topic, emotion, or physical sensation you'd like to work on.
Locating the Brainspot: Using a pointer or by observing your eye movements, your therapist helps identify the eye position that connects to the unresolved issue.
Processing: While maintaining focus on the brainspot, you may experience thoughts, emotions, memories, or physical sensations. These responses are part of your brain’s natural ability to process and heal.
Resolution: Through this process, the brain and body release the emotional charge of the issue, leading to relief and deeper healing.
Why Is It Effective?
Brainspotting leverages the brain's innate self-healing capacity by accessing the subcortical, non-verbal parts of the brain where trauma and stress are often stored. It bypasses the conscious mind, allowing you to process emotions and experiences that might be too overwhelming to articulate.
Clients often report significant relief from physical symptoms (like chronic pain or tension), emotional distress, and lingering effects of trauma. BSP can also improve focus, performance, and creativity by removing internal barriers.
Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is highly effective for a wide range of issues, including:
Trauma (including betrayal trauma)
Anxiety and stress
Depression
Chronic pain or illness
Grief and loss
Performance anxiety (e.g., sports, public speaking)
Creative blocks
PTSD
Whether you’ve experienced a specific traumatic event or are navigating emotional challenges, Brainspotting provides a compassionate, non-invasive way to promote healing and well-being.
What to Expect in a Brainspotting Session
A session is typically quiet and client-led. You’ll work at your own pace with your coach supporting you throughout. You don’t need to “do” anything except focus on your sensations and feelings while your brain does the work of healing. Many clients find the process calming and transformative.
If you’re curious about Brainspotting or think it might be helpful for you, feel free to reach out to learn more. It’s a gentle yet deeply impactful approach that could unlock healing in ways you’ve never experienced before.