Brainspotting: a revolution in trauma therapy
with contributions by Rachel Kehoe, Larissa Ernst and Carol Yan
In the world of psychotherapy, new techniques emerge regularly, but few have garnered as much attention and respect as Brainspotting. We’re excited to introduce you to this remarkable approach!
Brainspotting (BSP) has emerged as a groundbreaking method for addressing trauma, anxiety, and various emotional challenges, while also facilitating personal and professional growth. Developed by Dr David Grand, Brainspotting harnesses the brain’s natural capacity for healing—truly incredible, isn’t it?
In this blog, we’ll delve into the essence of Brainspotting, exploring its origins, mechanisms, and the transformative potential it holds for those seeking profound emotional healing.
The Birth of Brainspotting
Dr David Grand, a psychotherapist and performance coach, introduced Brainspotting in 2003. His discovery was somewhat serendipitous, stemming from his work with clients using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). During a session, he observed a client experiencing a significant emotional breakthrough when her gaze was focused on a specific point. This observation led him to investigate the connection between eye position and emotional processing, ultimately giving rise to Brainspotting.
Understanding Brainspotting
If our introduction piqued your curiosity but left you a bit puzzled, we’re here to clarify! Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment technique that identifies, processes, and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain, trauma, dissociation, and other challenging symptoms.
At its core, Brainspotting operates on the principle that “where you look affects how you feel.” This therapy uses the client’s line of sight to discover "brainspots"—fixed eye positions within their visual field linked to past traumas and intense emotional experiences. By concentrating on these brainspots, located in the brain’s subcortex (responsible for our emotional responses), therapists can access and activate deep-seated feelings often beyond the reach of traditional talk therapy. Think of it like a search engine—different eye positions yield different ‘results’ and insights.
This method allows for direct engagement with emotional issues by bypassing the usual mental defenses that come into play during conventional talk therapy. As a result, Brainspotting can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even physical pain, while promoting the development of healthier neural pathways.
The Process of Brainspotting
Client-Therapist Collaboration: The therapy begins with the therapist and client identifying a specific issue or traumatic memory to address.
Locating the Brainspot: Using a pointer to guide the client's visual tracking, the therapist helps identify an eye position that elicits a response related to the issue. Once a brainspot is activated, it opens pathways to emotional memories that can be processed and healed. The goal is to help clients move from a state of emotional unrest to stability, reducing distressing symptoms by maintaining focus on these crucial points.
Focused Mindfulness: While focusing on the designated eye position, the client remains aware of any bodily sensations and emotions that arise.
Processing and Healing: This mindful focus activates the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, enabling the client to process and integrate the traumatic memory.
Brainspotting can also be seamlessly integrated with other therapeutic practices, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), allowing therapists to tailor their approach to meet each client's unique needs.
The Science Behind Brainspotting
Brainspotting leverages the brain’s innate neuroplasticity—the ability to reorganise and form new neural connections. By engaging the subcortical brain, which handles emotions, memories, and bodily sensations, Brainspotting effectively releases stored trauma and promotes emotional regulation. Research supports its efficacy, showing that it can enhance emotional processing and reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Brain imaging studies have revealed changes in brain activity patterns before and after Brainspotting sessions, providing a neurobiological foundation for its therapeutic effects.
Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma-related issues. It has proven effective in addressing a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and addictions. This method is especially valued by those who feel that traditional therapy has not fully met their needs, making it suitable for both adults and children. The strength of the therapeutic relationship is vital to the success of Brainspotting.
Dr. Grand has successfully applied Brainspotting in diverse scenarios, assisting individuals from all walks of life, including disaster survivors and combat veterans. Remarkably, significant healing can often occur in just a few sessions. This technique has also been effective for performance enhancement, helping athletes, artists, and professionals overcome performance blocks and enhance their abilities. Brainspotting’s focus on bodily sensations makes it a valuable tool for addressing conditions where physical and emotional pain are intertwined.
Key Advantages of Brainspotting
Deep Healing of Trauma: Brainspotting is especially effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, allowing clients to access and process traumatic memories safely, leading to profound emotional release.
Non-Verbal Processing: For clients who struggle to articulate their feelings, Brainspotting provides a means to process emotions without needing to verbalise them, which can be particularly beneficial for those who find words insufficient to convey their pain.
Versatility: This method is not limited to treating trauma; it can also address anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions, chronic pain, and performance anxiety. Its adaptability makes it a valuable tool for therapists across various specialisations.
Rapid Results: Many clients experience significant progress in just a few sessions, with the focused nature of Brainspotting often leading to quicker processing of issues compared to traditional therapies.
Brainspotting in the Digital Age: Adapting for Online Sessions
As with many therapeutic techniques, Brainspotting has evolved to meet the unique demands of the digital age. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online therapy, and Brainspotting has proven to be highly adaptable to this format.
Here are some key adaptations for effective online sessions:
Virtual Setup: In an online Brainspotting session, the therapist and client use video conferencing platforms to maintain visual contact. The therapist guides the client in locating the brainspot using the camera, adjusting the process as needed for the virtual environment.
Tools and Techniques: Therapists may use a pointer on the screen to assist clients in finding their brainspot. If the screen limits eye position discovery, the client can also use their physical surroundings as a helpful extension. Some therapists incorporate bilateral music or sound delivered through headphones to enhance the session's effectiveness.
Maintaining Connection: While there may be concerns about the therapeutic connection in a virtual setting, many therapists and clients report that online Brainspotting is just as effective as in-person sessions. The key lies in the therapist's ability to create a safe, focused, and attuned environment, even through a screen.
Accessibility: One of the significant advantages of online Brainspotting is increased accessibility. Clients who may lack access to specialised therapists in their area can now receive Brainspotting therapy from anywhere in the world.
Considerations and Making the Choice
Ultimately, Brainspotting represents a significant advancement in psychotherapy, offering a unique and effective method for healing trauma, alleviating emotional distress, and enhancing performance. Whether used in-person or online, Brainspotting has the potential to transform lives by tapping into the brain's innate healing capacities—just like how a cut on your hand can heal itself. As more people discover its benefits, Brainspotting is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for personal growth and recovery.
While Brainspotting is generally safe, it can be intense as it involves confronting deep emotional issues. We recommend taking short breaks after sessions to allow for emotional processing.
If you’re considering Brainspotting, it’s crucial to work with a therapist specifically trained in this method. This ensures the therapy is tailored to your personal needs, leading to meaningful emotional and psychological breakthroughs.
If you're exploring ways to tackle persistent emotional pain or barriers, Brainspotting may offer a path to recovery. Engaging with a trained professional can help you understand how this therapy can be tailored to your situation, potentially marking the first step towards profound healing and change.
The following therapists at Satori Health Centre are trained in Brainspotting:
