BRAINSPOTTING

"Where you look affects how you feel" David Grand, Ph.D.

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Brainspotting is a technique that was discovered in 2003 by David Grand, Ph.D. and it taps into the body's natural ability to heal.  The roots of Brainspotting are from EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), which is used to alleviate the symptoms of traumatic stress. 

What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is a neurobiological treatment that accesses and treats a wide range of somatic and emotionally-based issues. 

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How Does Brainspotting Work?

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Brainspotting works directly with the subcortical brain and the autonomic and limbic systems, located within the central nervous system. Because of this, it can be considered a physiological treatment, and provides physical benefits as well as psychological and emotional relief.

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Brainspotting works by assessing the core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, and dissociation. Brainspotting can be used to treat all areas of trauma including past and current abuse, recent incident trauma, attachment trauma, and natural disaster.  It can also be used to decrease depression, anxiety, phobias and addictions.  To enhance the treatment, biolateral sound may be utilized.

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Brainspotting uses a Dual Attunement between the client and the therapist both relationally and neurobiologically. Brainspotting not only accesses the neurophysiology, but it is also a mindful attunement with witnessing, and compassion, which enhances the healing. The attuned pesence of the therapist helps people feel that their pain is being understood.

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What is a “Brainspot?”

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The “Brainspot” is the eye position which is related to the subcortical activation of a traumatic/emotionally charged event stored in the emotional center of the brain.  The power of Brainspotting is that it is not necessary to relive the traumatic event at the same level of intensity as the original trauma.  This allows a more contained experience to process and resolve trauma. Stress and trauma can overwhelm the nervous sytem, with Brainspotting the client can dischage the trauma while calming the nervous system. 

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