Brainspotting, developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, is a form of body-oriented therapy with psychological effects. The basic idea behind Brainspotting is that the location where one focuses their gaze can affect their emotional state. By identifying a specific “brain spot” (i.e. a point in space where a person’s gaze is directed when experiencing a distressing thought, emotion, or bodily sensation), a connection is established between the mind and body, which allows for an integrated recovery.
Illustration by Marton Olah, 2023
Brainspotting posits that the body holds information that the mind alone cannot access. The neurons in the retina provide access to subcortical regions of the nervous system, which play an essential role in managing survival mechanisms. Overwhelming situations that are perceived as life-threatening, even if only psychologically, affect not only the neocortex, or “the thinking brain”. This is why talk therapies can have limitations when thoughts related to a distressing issue are not processed along with associated feelings and bodily memories.
By focusing on this access point (brainspot) and mindfully observing all emerging experience, the brain can exhibit its inherent capacity for self-healing and adaptive neural networks can grow. In the supportive and non-intervening presence of the practitioner, clients tap into their own resources while overcoming distressing experiences. As a result, clients feel relieved, calmer, more energetic, and ready for action in a way that is appropriate for the current circumstances, rather than maladaptive responses from the past.
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional to address psychological or emotional issues. It is one of the most common forms of therapy and has been used for decades to help individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns.
Brainspotting, on the other hand, is a relatively new form of therapy that was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It is a form of psychotherapy which uses eye positions to access and process traumatic memories and emotions stored in the body.
While both Brainspotting and talk therapy share the goal of helping individuals improve their emotional well-being, there are some key differences between the two.
This method is for “anyone with an activated nervous system”. All you need is a willingness to be curious. This pioneering system bypasses the thinking part of the brain, not the observant part, though. For the integration to occur, mindfulness skills are essential.
“All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone,” wrote the French philosopher Blaise Pascal. Well, ca. 400 years later Brainspotting can help you sit quietly – alas, not alone, but in the presence of an attentive practitioner holding space for your issues waiting to be solved. If you have tried many methods before, but nothing really worked, Brainspotting can be an intriguing opportunity to try something as simple as sitting.
Brainspotting reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Research has shown that Brainspotting can be particularly effective as it provides individuals with a sense of control and empowerment, allowing them to work through their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Read about six more benefits on my blog!
Traumatic experiences are overwhelming, beyond the brain's processing capacity and become compartmentalized. These "trauma capsules" (term by Robert Scaer) take up energy and hinder homeostatic functioning physiologically and trigger maladaptive responses...
Participating in the three-day training with the creator of the Brainspotting method, Dr David Grand, felt like when I personally spent days at Leonard Orr's Rebirthing camp. These creative minds inspire me with their radiating presence. What they know can be best...
Here's a step-by-step guide to what a typical Brainspotting session might look like: Introduction and explanation: The therapist will begin the session by explaining the basics of Brainspotting to the client. This may include a brief overview of the theory behind the...
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a form of treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional to address psychological or emotional issues. It is one of the most common forms of therapy and has been used for decades to help...
Brainspotting is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness in the following areas. 1. Brainspotting reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD Research has shown that Brainspotting can be particularly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, as it provides...