Brainspotting Therapy™ (BSP) is a mind-body therapy that focuses on identifying, processing, and releasing emotional stress and trauma. The therapeutic process finds eye positions in a client’s visual field that connect to their emotional experiences.
A “Brainspot” is the eye position related to the emotional activation of a traumatic/emotionally charged issue within the brain. BSP enables access to parts of the brain that are generally not accessed through traditional talk therapy. It combines somatic, body-based awareness, focused mindfulness, and the therapeutic relationship to help process and release the stored traumas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brainspotting therapy for?
Brainspotting is a therapy used to treat a range of emotional, stress, anxiety, and trauma-related issues. Sessions can provide a release for unresolved experiences, new insights, and greater emotional regulation.
There are many reasons to try Brainspotting. This can be helpful for those:
who need help with anxiety, stress, and trauma
who have tried talk therapy but still find their symptoms difficult
who are tired of talking about their trauma
who want to go deeper in their healing
who want to strengthen their sense of self
Areas that can be explored and processed in a Brainspotting session include:
Fears and phobias
Limiting beliefs/negative cognitions
Trauma (PTSD, complex, developmental)
Emotional regulation
ADHD/ADD
Stress / chronic pain
What happens in a Brainspotting session?
In a session, a client is asked to identify an issue they wish to work on. They will be asked to focus on the issue and notice how that issue is felt in their mind and body. An eye position related to that issue will be identified in the process. By using focused mindfulness (processing), and the active network in the brain, the issue can be released where it is stored in the mind and body. There is a resourcing and restabilizing process related to the issue that occurs. The insights, clarity, and self-awareness gained can also help one feel more connected to their higher Self.
How many sessions are suggested?
This varies from person to person. Some people notice changes after one session for an issue, while others may need six to eight sessions before reporting changes.
The processing often occurs even after the session is done. Issues can be explored in multiple sessions, using different eye positions for processing and resourcing.
How is Brainspotting different than other cognitive therapy or talk therapy approaches?
Traditional talk therapy approaches utilize a ‘top-down’ model where thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are explored from the upper part of the brain (neocortex). This relies on the person’s ability to recall, analyze, and process their thoughts and feelings. Brainspotting uses a ‘bottom-up’ approach which uses the emotional brain (limbic system) to release the trauma from those deeper sub-cortical parts of the brain where the root of issues can be stored.
Related Blog :-
Want to learn more? Book an appointment with one of our Brainspotting clinicians now or take a look at the links below:
What is Brainspotting? ← Embed video here
Books: Brainspotting by David Grand, Ph.D. (also check your local library):
Podcast: Surrendering to Uncertainty - featuring David Grand, PhD
Learn more about our Brainspotting Clinicians!
About the Author:
Diane Hua-Stewart, MACP, RP (Qualifying)
Hello everyone, my name is Diane. I have over ten years of experience working in healthcare research including developing programs for under-serviced and marginalized populations. Hearing about their struggles, I have always been interested in learning about people’s life stories.
As a mother of three children (including twins), I also understand the challenges of parenting and finding ways to connect with our loved ones and ourselves.
My passion is to help clients feel empowered to achieve their goals and to find more meaning and fulfillment in their lives. I utilize various therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. I believe in a client-centered approach and hold a non-judgemental, welcoming, safe space for clients to share their challenges with me.
When I’m not working, I love spending time in nature, and at Farmers’ Markets with my 3 kids. I also enjoy learning, reading research and self-help books, engaging in psycho-education training, and listening to podcasts.
Feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute consultation and for more information.
Your healing matters. I look forward to joining you on your journey.
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