Unlock Your Brain’s Healing Power with Brainspotting Therapy
Have you ever felt trapped by a memory, a feeling, or a physical sensation you just can’t shake? It’s as if a part of your past is stuck on repeat, influencing your present in ways you can’t control. This feeling of being stuck is the quiet, heavy reality for many who have experienced trauma. But what if there was a way to access the deep, non-verbal parts of your brain where these memories are stored and gently guide them toward healing?
This is the promise of a powerful therapeutic approach called Brainspotting. It’s a method that understands a profound truth, that where you look can affect how you feel. By harnessing this simple connection between your eyes and your brain, Brainspotting offers a direct path to processing and releasing the core sources of trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain. It’s not about endlessly talking about the past, it’s about allowing your brain to do what it’s naturally built to do, heal itself.
This article will guide you through the world of Brainspotting. We will explore what it is, how it works, and what you can expect from a session. Consider this your comprehensive introduction to a therapy that is changing lives by helping people find, process, and release the experiences that hold them back.
What Exactly Is Brainspotting Therapy?
Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional and body-based pain, trauma, and a variety of other challenging symptoms. It operates on the principle that specific eye positions are linked to the capsules of unprocessed experiences stored deep within the brain.
Developed from the foundations of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting provides a unique tool for therapists to locate, focus on, and process these unresolved issues. The therapist helps the client find a relevant "Brainspot," an eye position that activates the traumatic memory or painful emotion. By holding the gaze on this spot, the brain is able to resume its natural, self-healing process, which was interrupted when the trauma occurred.
This therapeutic model is considered a "bottom-up" approach. This means it works with the deeper, more primitive parts of the brain, the subcortical regions, which are responsible for motion, consciousness, emotions, and learning. Unlike traditional talk therapies that engage the neocortex (the thinking brain), Brainspotting accesses the areas where trauma is physically and emotionally held, allowing for profound and lasting release without the need for extensive verbal recounting of the event.
The core of Brainspotting is its trust in the client’s own innate capacity to heal. The therapist’s role is not to direct or interpret, but to attune to the client, hold a safe space, and follow the client’s process as their own brain and body lead the way toward resolution.
How Was Brainspotting Discovered?
Brainspotting was discovered in 2003 by Dr. David Grand, a prominent EMDR therapist, psychotherapist, and author. The discovery was, as many profound discoveries are, an unexpected moment of insight that occurred while he was working with a client.
Dr. Grand was conducting an EMDR session with a highly skilled ice skater who was struggling with a performance block. During the session, he noticed that as her eyes moved back and forth, they began to wobble and then locked into one specific position. Intuitively, he held his finger still at that spot, and a flood of traumatic material and memories poured out of her, processing at a remarkable speed. This single session completely resolved her performance block.
Intrigued by this powerful phenomenon, Dr. Grand began experimenting with this technique. He found that holding a fixed eye position, which he termed a "Brainspot," seemed to allow the brain to access and process trauma in a uniquely deep and efficient way. He realized that the brain itself knew precisely what to do, it just needed to be guided to the right place to begin its work.
This initial observation led him to develop a formal therapeutic model around this principle. He refined the techniques for finding and utilizing these Brainspots, creating a flexible yet structured approach that could be adapted to a wide range of issues. The discovery highlighted a fundamental connection, that our field of vision is a direct gateway to the intricate neural networks where our life experiences are stored.
How Does Brainspotting Actually Work?
Brainspotting works by accessing the brain’s deep, subcortical regions to stimulate its inherent self-healing and self-regulating capacities. The therapy is based on the idea that trauma can overwhelm the brain’s normal processing abilities, leaving behind fragments of memory, emotion, and physical sensation that are "frozen" in time.
These frozen capsules of experience are stored in the midbrain, an area not easily reached by language or conscious thought. Brainspotting uses a person’s field of vision to find the specific eye positions, or Brainspots, that are neurologically connected to these unprocessed traumatic capsules. By having the client focus their gaze on a Brainspot, the therapist helps them tap directly into that stored information, allowing the brain to finally process and integrate the experience.
This focused activation, combined with the attuned presence of the therapist, creates the conditions for the autonomic and limbic systems to shift from a state of dysregulation (fight, flight, or freeze) to a state of regulation and resolution. The brain essentially picks up where it left off, completing the processing cycle that was interrupted when the trauma originally occurred.
What is the “Brainspot”?
A "Brainspot" is the specific eye position in a person’s visual field that activates a particular traumatic memory or a painful emotion. It acts like a key that unlocks a specific neural network in the brain where the unprocessed experience is held.
When a person looks at a Brainspot, they may notice a reflexive response. This can be a subtle eye twitch, a wobble, a blink, a facial micro-expression, or a sudden shift in the body like a swallow, a yawn, or a deep breath. These reflexes are signals from the deep brain, indicating that a significant area has been located.
The Brainspot is more than just a point in space, it is a physiological marker of distress held in the body and mind. By holding the gaze on this spot, the client maintains focus on the internal experience, allowing the associated emotional and physical energy to be discharged and the memory to be integrated in a healthy way.
What is the role of the therapist?
The therapist’s role in Brainspotting is fundamentally one of attunement and presence. They act as a grounded, compassionate anchor for the client’s healing journey, a concept known as "dual attunement."
The therapist is attuned to the client’s internal experience, carefully observing their verbal and non-verbal cues. Simultaneously, they are attuned to the therapeutic relationship itself, creating a safe and trusting environment where the client feels secure enough to process difficult material. The therapist does not lead, interpret, or push the client, instead, they trust the client’s brain to guide the process.
They hold the "frame," which means they manage the session’s timing and structure, but the content and pacing of the processing are entirely driven by the client. This client-centered approach empowers the individual, reinforcing the idea that the capacity for healing resides within them.
Why is focused eye position so important?
The focused eye position is crucial because it provides a direct line of communication to the subcortical brain, including key structures like the superior colliculus and the amygdala. These areas are central to visual processing, emotional regulation, and threat detection.
The superior colliculus, in particular, helps orient us in space and integrates sensory information. It plays a significant role in determining "where" we are looking. When a Brainspot is held, it keeps the relevant neural network activated, preventing the brain from dissociating or moving away from the difficult material.
This sustained focus allows the brain to stay with the unprocessed memory long enough to digest it. It moves the experience from a raw, fragmented state into a coherent narrative that can be stored as a normal memory. The eye position acts as a stable anchor, allowing the turbulent internal process to unfold and resolve naturally.
What Happens During a Brainspotting Session?
A Brainspotting session is a collaborative process that unfolds organically, tailored to the unique needs of the individual. The primary goal is to create a safe and contained space for the client to access and process their inner world with minimal intrusion from the therapist.
The session typically begins with the therapist and client briefly discussing the issue the client wants to work on. This could be a specific traumatic memory, a persistent negative belief, a physical pain with no clear medical cause, or a general feeling of anxiety or depression. The therapist helps the client identify the "felt sense" of this issue in their body, noticing where they feel the emotion or physical sensation most strongly.
From there, the therapist guides the client to find a Brainspot associated with that activation. Once a spot is found, the client is invited to simply hold their gaze on that point and mindfully observe their internal experience without judgment. The therapist remains present and attuned, allowing the client’s brain to lead the healing process.
How do you find the Brainspot?
A Brainspot can be found using one of two primary methods, "Outside Window" or "Inside Window." Both techniques begin with the therapist asking the client to notice the level of emotional or physical activation they feel related to the issue, often on a scale of 0 to 10.
In the "Outside Window" method, the therapist slowly guides a pointer across the client’s field of vision. The therapist carefully observes the client’s face and body for reflexive cues, such as a blink, a facial tic, a swallow, a yawn, or a subtle body shift. When such a reflex occurs, it signals that a Brainspot has been found.
In the "Inside Window" method, the client is the one who identifies the spot. As the therapist moves the pointer, the client is asked to pay attention to their internal experience. The client identifies the eye position where they feel the strongest emotional or physical activation related to the issue. This becomes the Brainspot for the session.
What will I feel during the process?
The experience of processing on a Brainspot is highly individual and can vary from session to session. There is no right or wrong way to feel. The key is to allow whatever comes up to simply be, without judgment or analysis.
Some people experience a flow of images, memories, or thoughts. Others may notice a series of physical sensations, such as warmth, tingling, tightness, or a sense of release and relaxation. Emotions can also surface, sometimes intensely, as the stored feelings are finally allowed to be felt and discharged. It is also common for the mind to go blank or for the experience to feel very subtle.
The process is not always linear. It can move between moments of intensity and moments of calm. The therapist is there to help the client stay grounded and feel safe throughout the entire experience, reminding them that their brain is simply doing the work it needs to do.
How long does a typical session last?
A standard Brainspotting session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. This duration provides ample time to identify the target issue, find the relevant Brainspot, and allow for a significant amount of processing to occur without feeling rushed.
The majority of the session is spent with the client focusing on the Brainspot while the therapist holds the space. The therapist will check in periodically in a gentle, non-intrusive way. Towards the end of the session, the therapist will guide the client through a process of "resourcing" or grounding to ensure they feel stable and calm before leaving.
This closing part of the session is very important. It helps the client integrate the work that has been done and transition smoothly back into their day. The brain often continues to process the material subtly even after the session has ended.
Who Can Benefit From Brainspotting?
While Brainspotting is renowned for its effectiveness in treating trauma and PTSD, its applications are incredibly broad. Anyone struggling with issues that are deeply rooted in the brain’s emotional and survival centers can potentially benefit from this therapy.
The therapy is effective because it bypasses the conscious, thinking brain and gets directly to the source of the distress. This makes it suitable for a wide range of conditions, from emotional challenges like anxiety and depression to performance issues and even physical symptoms that may have an emotional root.
Because Brainspotting is an adaptable model, not a rigid protocol, therapists can tailor it to fit the specific needs of each client. It can be used as a primary form of therapy or integrated with other therapeutic modalities to enhance their effectiveness.
What specific issues can it help with?
Brainspotting has been shown to be effective for a vast array of psychological, emotional, and somatic conditions. It is particularly powerful for resolving the lasting effects of distressing events.
Individuals seek Brainspotting for issues including all forms of trauma, such as single-incident trauma (accidents, assaults) and complex or relational trauma (childhood abuse or neglect). It is also highly effective for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias, and grief. Many people find it helpful for managing anger, reducing stress, and overcoming creative or performance blocks.
Furthermore, Brainspotting can address somatic, or body-based, symptoms. This includes chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and other physical conditions that may be exacerbated by or rooted in emotional stress. It can help release the physical tension and holding patterns associated with past trauma.
Is it suitable for both adults and children?
Yes, Brainspotting is a versatile therapy that can be adapted for clients of all ages, including children and adolescents. The non-verbal and body-centered nature of the therapy often makes it a very natural fit for young people.
For children, who may not have the vocabulary to describe their inner experiences, Brainspotting provides a way to process difficult feelings and events without needing to talk about them extensively. Therapists trained in working with children use age-appropriate techniques, often incorporating play, art, or storytelling to help find and work with Brainspots.
With adolescents, Brainspotting can be a powerful tool for addressing issues like bullying, academic stress, family conflict, and the impacts of trauma. It offers a way to process intense emotions in a contained and non-judgmental environment, fostering resilience and emotional regulation.
How Does Brainspotting Differ From EMDR?
Brainspotting and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are often compared because they are both brain-body therapies that use eye movements and focused attention to process trauma. However, there are key differences in their approach and technique.
The most fundamental difference lies in how the eyes are used. EMDR involves the therapist directing the client’s eye movements, typically in a rapid, bilateral (side-to-side) pattern. In contrast, Brainspotting involves finding one specific, fixed eye position, the Brainspot, and having the client hold their gaze on that point. The process in Brainspotting is more internally driven, with the client’s brain, not the therapist, leading the way.
What are the main technical differences?
The technical differences stem from their core philosophies. EMDR is a more structured, protocol-driven therapy with eight distinct phases. The therapist guides the client through these phases, using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) to process a targeted memory.
Brainspotting is considered a more flexible and relational model. The emphasis is on the therapist’s attunement to the client and trusting the client’s own healing process to unfold organically from the focused eye position. While EMDR directs the brain’s processing through specific procedures, Brainspotting allows the brain to take the lead once the relevant Brainspot is activated.
Which one is right for me?
Choosing between Brainspotting and EMDR is a personal decision and often depends on what resonates most with the individual. Both are highly effective and evidence-based treatments for trauma.
Some people may prefer the structured, protocol-based nature of EMDR. They might find the clear steps and therapist-guided process reassuring. Others may be drawn to the more organic, client-led, and deeply relational approach of Brainspotting, appreciating the freedom for their brain to go where it needs to go.
The best course of action is often to speak with a therapist who is trained in one or both modalities. They can help you understand the nuances of each approach and determine which might be a better fit for your specific personality, history, and therapeutic goals. Ultimately, the strength of the therapeutic relationship is a key predictor of success in any form of therapy.
Is Brainspotting a Safe and Valid Therapy?
Yes, Brainspotting is considered a safe therapeutic modality when practiced by a trained and certified mental health professional. The entire model is built around the principle of creating a secure and contained environment for processing.
The therapist’s role in maintaining a grounded and attuned presence is central to the safety of the work. They are trained to help clients manage any intense emotions or physical sensations that may arise, ensuring the process never becomes overwhelming. The pace is always determined by the client, which prevents retraumatization.
Furthermore, Brainspotting often incorporates "resourcing," a technique where the client identifies a Brainspot associated with a calm, positive, or strong state. This resource spot can be used at any time during the session if the client needs to pause the processing and return to a feeling of safety and stability.
What does the research say?
While Brainspotting is a newer therapy compared to others like CBT or EMDR, a growing body of research and clinical evidence supports its effectiveness. Studies and case reports have demonstrated positive outcomes for clients with PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related disorders.
A significant 2017 study with survivors of the Sandy Hook school tragedy found that Brainspotting was highly effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and distress. Many practitioners and clients also provide extensive anecdotal evidence of its profound and rapid results.
As Brainspotting gains wider recognition, more large-scale, formal research is being conducted. The therapy’s strong neurobiological underpinnings, based on established knowledge of how the brain processes trauma, provide a solid foundation for its clinical validity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions of Brainspotting will I need?
The number of sessions required varies greatly from person to person and depends on the complexity of the issues being addressed. Some individuals with single-incident trauma may experience significant relief in just a few sessions, while those with complex or developmental trauma may benefit from longer-term therapy. The best approach is to discuss your goals with your therapist, who can provide a more personalized outlook.
Can Brainspotting be done online?
Yes, Brainspotting is highly adaptable to a virtual setting and is effectively conducted online. Therapists use video conferencing platforms to see the client’s face and eyes clearly, allowing them to guide the process and observe reflexive cues just as they would in person. The client simply needs a private, quiet space and a stable internet connection.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No, one of the significant advantages of Brainspotting is that you do not have to verbally recount the details of your trauma. The therapy works on a neurobiological level, accessing the "felt sense" of the experience. You only need to be able to identify the issue you want to work on and notice how it feels in your body, the brain does the rest of the work. This makes it an ideal therapy for those who find talking about their experiences too difficult or re-traumatizing.
Is Brainspotting covered by insurance?
Whether Brainspotting is covered by insurance depends on your specific plan and the credentials of the therapist. Brainspotting itself is a modality, not a licensed profession. If your therapist is a licensed professional, such as a psychologist, counsellor, or social worker, their sessions are often covered by insurance plans that include mental health benefits, regardless of the specific therapeutic technique used. It is always best to check with your insurance provider directly.
Your journey toward healing is deeply personal, and you don’t have to walk it alone. If the feelings and memories of the past feel overwhelming, know that there are powerful, compassionate ways to find relief and move forward.
At Counselling-uk, we believe in providing a safe, confidential, and professional place to get advice and help with mental health issues. We are here to offer support for all of life’s challenges. If you are curious about Brainspotting or other therapeutic approaches, we invite you to connect with one of our qualified professionals. Take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind today.
Wrapping Up About Brainspotting Therapy