What is Brainspotting?

a form of body-oriented therapy

Brainspotting in a nutshell

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

Go beyond the thinking part of the brain

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.

 Tap into your own resources

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.

What are the differences between Brainspotting and talk therapy?

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.

target audience

Is Brainspotting for me?

Who does Brainspotting work with?

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.

Why choose Brainspotting?

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.

What are the possible benefits of Brainspotting?

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!

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Brainspotting was elusive ... [kisebb typo]

Brainspotting was elusive to me at first. Why am I sitting here? What is going to happen? Am I even doing it right? Then something changed. Answers to vague questions popped up spontaneously, naturally, out of thin air. Painful, agonizing feelings melted away in seconds. Energy boosts flushed in to carry me further. It was like entering another life. After an incredibly bad period, I have the energy, creativity, and motivation to do things again. My life is changing.

What I like about Brainspotting ... [kisebb typo]

What I like about Brainspotting is that I don't have to talk. It is often difficult for me to describe what is going on. And with this method, bad and distressing feelings dissolve in me in a way that I can't really explain. The cycles just keep going on and on and I'm getting better and better, while everything around me is getting clearer. Even my hearing and vision are getting sharper. 🙂

Christmas lights ... [kisebb typo]

My experience with Brainspotting is similar to an old string of Christmas lights coming out of the box tangled up unusably, but when I take it to a session, after each session I come out with smaller and fewer knots. After a while, it completely unravels and shines better than when it was new. This is roughly how Brainspotting affects my feelings, thoughts, and life. There are times when I have no idea what happened or how it happened, but the tangles are resolved! Thank you for the experience!

Beating the bush ...

I find Brainspotting helpful because it takes me directly into the uncomfortable emotions I am prone to avoid. If I just talk, it is often not enough, because it is just beating around the bush intellectually, not bringing any resolution.

Can lift burdens ...

A single session can lift burdens from me which I thought I should carry forever. One of the most effective methods I have come across so far. An exciting inner journey that cannot be compared to anything else. I can only recommend it!

Smooth World ...

I like this technique because the world always becomes smooth at the end of the session. Afterwards, I feel relaxed and stable for days, even weeks. It's invigorating.

MY BRAINSPOTTING RELATED

Blog Posts

Why use Brainspotting for traumatic material?

Why use Brainspotting for traumatic material?

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...

What does a Brainspotting session look like? A Step-by-step guide.

What does a Brainspotting session look like? A Step-by-step guide.

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...

What are the differences between Brainspotting and talk therapy?

What are the differences between Brainspotting and talk therapy?

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...

What are the possible benefits of Brainspotting?

What are the possible benefits of Brainspotting?

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...