What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is an advanced form of therapy technique that uses eye position to help locate and process emotional trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD held in the brain and body .  It is based on the theory that where a person looks, or their eye position, is connected to deep-seated emotional experiences that are often unreachable through traditional talk therapy.  Unlike many other techniques, it directly addresses the source of psychological stress and trauma.  If you are feeling stuck, struggling with anxiety, or repeating negative patterns, Brainspotting can help you achieve lasting change.

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What happens in a Brainspotting session?

During a Brainspotting session the brainspotting therapist will help you identify an issue to work on. While focusing on the issue you will notice how you feel, sense and experience the issue in your mind and body. From here the eye position or ‘brainspot’ associated with this issue will be identified.  The therapist often uses a pointer to help the client focus on the issue being addressed and biolateral sound to help deepen the experience.

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Biolateral sound involves the use of alternating sounds in each ear to help the client access their unconscious and physiological responses. The sound helps to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, allowing the client to access deeper levels of emotional and physiological experiences related to the issue being addressed. The biolateral sound helps the client to reach a state of deep concentration and focus, allowing the therapist to more effectively guide the client towards a resolution of the issue.

 

To make sure the therapy process is effective, it is important to have a strong connection and trust between therapist and client. That's where dual attunement comes in - it's about being attuned to both a client's verbal and nonverbal cues to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.  When a brainspot is activated, involuntary movements can be observed by the therapist that provide valuable access to healing. These movements come from deep regions of the brain, outside of a our conscious, cognitive, and verbal awareness.

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Clients report experiencing gentler but more deeper and profound releases with Brainspotting compared to other brain-based and traditional therapies. The brain is re-stabilising, resourcing, and rebooting itself during Brainspotting and self-processing often continues after the session has ended.  A doorway has been opened and information will continue to come up and out for releasing and healing.

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How is Brainspotting different from other forms of therapy?

Brainspotting is unique in that it focuses on the brain and body's innate ability to heal, rather than just talking about emotions and experiences.

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Who can benefit from Brainspotting?

Brainspotting can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional or psychological issues.

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How many Brainspotting sessions will I need?

The number of Brainspotting sessions can vary from person to person. Some people notice changes following one session and yet often changes and improvements can be witnessed within four to eight sessions.

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Is Brainspotting evidence based?

Brainspotting is widely regarded as a powerful and successful therapy. Several studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating stress, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions. It has been identified by victims and their families as the most beneficial therapy for alleviating anxiety, stress, and trauma following the tragedy at Sandy Hook School. Despite its widespread use, more research is needed to officially include Brainspotting on the national registry of evidence-based practices. Currently, the emphasis has been placed on utilising Brainspotting as a powerful therapeutic tool, rather than conducting additional studies..

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What is the history of Brainspotting?

Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting (BSP) was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. Over 13,000 therapists have been trained in BSP (52 internationally), in the United States, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. Dr. Grand discovered that "Where you look affects how you feel." It is the brain activity, especially in the subcortical brain that organises itself around that eye position.

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