Brainspotting Therapy: A Targeted Approach to Healing Trauma
What Is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. It is designed to help individuals process psychological trauma and other emotional challenges by identifying specific eye positions—known as "brainspots"—that correlate with unprocessed trauma in the brain. The core principle is that "where you look affects how you feel," suggesting that eye positions can access deep-seated emotional experiences.
How Does Brainspotting Work?
During a Brainspotting session, a trained therapist guides the client to focus on a particular point in their visual field. This focus is believed to access the subcortical brain, which governs emotions, consciousness, and learning. By maintaining attention on the brainspot, clients can process and release unresolved trauma without the need to verbally recount distressing events.
Scientific Evidence and Efficacy
Preliminary studies indicate that Brainspotting may be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. For instance, one study reported a 44% decrease in traumatic stress symptoms, a 40% reduction in depression, and a 57% decrease in anxiety among participants . Another comparative study found that Brainspotting was as effective as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in treating PTSD symptoms.
However, it's important to note that while these findings are promising, more extensive research is needed to fully establish Brainspotting's efficacy. Some critics argue that the current evidence base is limited and call for more rigorous, peer-reviewed studies .
Applications of Brainspotting
Brainspotting has been utilized to address a variety of psychological and emotional issues, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression
Phobias
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Grief and loss
Performance anxiety in athletes and performers
Chronic pain and somatic conditions
By targeting the neural networks associated with these conditions, Brainspotting aims to facilitate emotional regulation and healing.
What to Expect in a Session
A typical Brainspotting session involves:
Assessment: The therapist and client discuss the issue to be addressed.
Identification of Brainspot: Using a pointer or other tool, the therapist helps the client find the eye position that correlates with the emotional issue.
Processing: The client focuses on the brainspot while observing internal experiences, allowing for the processing of unresolved trauma.
Integration: The session concludes with a discussion to integrate insights gained during the process.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes long, and the number of sessions required varies depending on individual needs.
Is Brainspotting Right for You?
Brainspotting may be particularly beneficial for individuals who:
Have experienced trauma or abuse
Struggle with anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Feel "stuck" despite other therapeutic approaches
Prefer a less verbal, more somatic-focused therapy
It's essential to consult with a Brainspotting practitioner, Lauren Brdecka-Drake or Orianna Robinson, to determine if this approach aligns with your therapeutic goals.
Our Commitment
At CARE Counseling, Inc., we are dedicated to providing evidence-informed, compassionate care tailored to each client's unique needs. Our Brainspotting therapists are trained to guide you through this innovative approach, supporting your journey toward healing and emotional well-being.
Contact Us
Ready to explore how Brainspotting can support your healing journey? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.