What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful brain-body therapy that helps access and release trauma, stress, and emotional blocks by locating specific eye positions—known as brainspots—linked to stored experiences in the body. Discovered by Dr. David Grand in 2003, this innovative approach recognizes that where we look affects how we feel.
During a Brainspotting session, we identify specific eye positions that correspond to internal experiences, emotions, or memories. These "brainspots" become gateways to the deeper subcortical regions of the brain where trauma and emotion are often stored, allowing for profound healing to occur.
Key Principle: "Where you look affects how you feel" - By finding the right eye position, we can access and process emotional material that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy alone.
"Brainspotting helps you release the emotional weight of trauma in a safe, controlled environment."
How Brainspotting Works
Brainspotting accesses the deeper subcortical regions of the brain where trauma is often stored. By identifying "brainspots" that relate to unresolved material, clients are able to release emotional tension and begin the healing process. This is done through a combination of eye positioning, bilateral sound, and mindful awareness.
Eye Position Mapping
Different eye positions can access different emotional and somatic experiences
Interactive demonstration of potential brainspot locations
The Process
The therapist guides you to find the eye position that holds the most charge or activation related to your issue. Once the brainspot is located, you maintain that gaze while processing whatever arises - emotions, sensations, memories, or insights. This allows the brain's natural healing capacity to engage.
- Bilateral Sound: Calming music or sounds played through headphones to support nervous system regulation
- Dual Attunement: Therapist attunes to both your internal experience and external responses
- Mindful Awareness: Focused attention on internal sensations and emotions as they arise
- Natural Processing: Allowing the brain's innate healing wisdom to guide the session
The Therapeutic Process
Setup & Attunement
We create a safe, supportive environment and establish connection through bilateral sound and therapeutic presence.
Brainspot Location
Through guided exploration, we identify the eye position that holds the most activation or charge related to your issue.
Processing & Integration
While maintaining the brainspot, you process whatever emerges - emotions, sensations, memories, or insights.
Resolution & Completion
We support the natural completion of the processing and integrate insights into your healing journey.
What Brainspotting Can Help With
Brainspotting can be used in individual, couples, or group therapy and is effective for a wide range of conditions and goals:
Trauma & Stress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complex trauma and developmental trauma
- Acute stress reactions
- Emotional overwhelm and regulation difficulties
Mental Health Conditions
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression and mood disorders
- Phobias and specific fears
- Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
Physical & Somatic Issues
- Chronic pain conditions
- Recovery from injury or surgery
- Psychosomatic symptoms
- Nervous system dysregulation
Performance & Growth
- Creative blocks and artistic expression
- Athletic and performance enhancement
- Spiritual growth and exploration
- Personal development and self-awareness
Two Approaches: Window & Inside Window
Brainspotting offers flexible approaches depending on your current state and therapeutic needs:
Window of Tolerance
For processing from a calm, regulated place. This approach is ideal when you feel stable and ready to explore material without becoming overwhelmed.
Inside Window
For processing from an activated state. This approach works with your current emotional charge to facilitate healing while maintaining safety and containment.
The beauty of Brainspotting is that you don't need to relive trauma at full intensity. The process is designed to be contained and gentle, allowing for profound healing within your window of tolerance.
Why Brainspotting?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Brainspotting works with the brain and body simultaneously. It doesn't require detailed discussion or reliving of traumatic events to create meaningful transformation. This makes it ideal for those who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to articulate their experiences.
Brainspotting is adaptable and client-centered, allowing you to move at your own pace with gentle guidance. The process can feel subtle, yet lead to deep emotional release and integration.