BSP
06/05/2023
I get a lot of questions asking, “What is Brainspotting” and “How does it work.” Below is some background information, what happens during a session, the role of the therapist, and what Brainspotting can be used for.
Background information on Brainspotting:
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It is a technique that aims to access and process unresolved trauma, negative emotions, and distressing memories that are stored in the brain and body. Brainspotting is grounded in the understanding that traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on the nervous system and can be stored in the subcortical areas of the brain.
Brainspotting recognizes the profound connection between the brain and the body in the experience of processing trauma. Traumatic experiences are not solely stored as memories in the brain but are also held in the body as somatic sensations and physical tension. By accessing the subcortical brain structures, Brainspotting allows for a more holistic and comprehensive approach to healing.
What happens during a Brainspotting Session:
When beginning Brainspotting, the first step is that the client communicates to the therapist the specific issues that are causing distress and then the client and therapist together will work towards identifying the associated emotions that come along with it and how strong they are. Next the therapist will guide the client in identifying a "brainspot." This brainspot is an eye position that activates the neural networks associated with the targeted issue or emotional distress. The client's gaze is then held on the brainspot while they access and process the related emotions, sensations, and memories that arise.
By maintaining a focused gaze on the brainspot, the client allows their brain's natural healing mechanisms to take effect. This process can lead to the release of emotional and physical tension and the reprocessing of traumatic memories.
By accessing specific Brainspots, the therapeutic process initiates trauma processing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on the neocortex, Brainspotting aims to reach the subcortical areas of the brain.
The role of the Therapist:
The therapist remains primarily quiet and provides a safe and supportive environment as the client explores their inner experiences and allows the brain's natural healing mechanisms to take place. The goal is to facilitate the release of emotional and physical tension, reprocess traumatic memories, and promote healing and integration. This is the time when you can express your feelings and thoughts out loud, internally, or through a combination of both.
What happens after a Brainspotting session:
Afterwards, one can experience emotional release, physical sensations (feelings of lightness, warmth, relaxation, or tension release in different parts of the body. These physical sensations often accompany the processing and release of stored trauma or emotional tension), increased self-awareness and insight into one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and Integration and Processing (Brainspotting sessions stimulate the brain's natural processing mechanisms, which continue to work after the session has ended). It is important to practice self-care after Brainspotting (drinking lots of fluid and rest is recommended).
What Can Brainspotting Help With?
Brainspotting has been shown to be effective in treating many issues including but not limited to: PTSD, Complex Trauma, Public Speaking, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Chronic Pain, OCD, Insomnia, and Low Self-Esteem.
“Where you look affects how you feel.” - David Grand
You are probably wondering have I ever had Brainspotting done on me. The answer is YES.
During my Brainspotting session, I felt a mixture of me being nervous but curious. I sat comfortably, and my therapist guided me through the process. We began by discussing the specific issue that was bothering me.
As we started the Brainspotting technique, my therapist asked me to bring the specific issue to mind and notice any emotions or physical sensations that arose. With my eyes focused on a specific point in my visual field, I could feel the intensity of the issue building within me. It was as if the Brainspot we had identified allowed me to access the core of my emotions and experiences associated with this particular issue.
As the session progressed, I noticed a mix of emotions flooding through me. Memories, images, and sensations connected to this issue surfaced in my mind. It was both challenging and liberating to explore these deep layers of my inner self that had been previously inaccessible to me. The therapist remained by my side, offering a comforting presence and allowing the process to unfold naturally.
During moments of silence, I found myself verbalizing my thoughts and emotions, giving voice to the unspoken parts of my experience. It felt empowering to have the freedom to express myself authentically without judgment or interruption.
By the end of the session, I experienced a sense of relief and lightness. Although the issue that I was facing was not completely resolved in that one session, I could feel a shift within myself. The therapeutic journey of Brainspotting had opened up new possibilities for healing and growth, and I felt hopeful about the progress we had made.
I am hoping that this information that I have provided to you has been helpful and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.