BRAINSPOTTING
"Where you look affects how you feel."
I'm a certified brainspotting practitioner trained in Phases 1, 2, & 4 of Brainspotting (BSP).
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has been gaining popularity in the field of psychotherapy. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is based on the idea that eye positions can access deep and unresolved emotional experiences stored in the brain and body. This therapeutic technique is rooted in neuroscience and is particularly helpful in processing trauma, releasing emotional distress, and promoting healing and growth. Here's a detailed explanation of how Brainspotting can help in psychotherapy:
What is Brainspotting?
Brainspotting is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has been gaining popularity in the field of psychotherapy. Developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003, Brainspotting is based on the idea that eye positions can access deep and unresolved emotional experiences stored in the brain and body. This therapeutic technique is rooted in neuroscience and is particularly helpful in processing trauma, releasing emotional distress, and promoting healing and growth. Here's a detailed explanation of how Brainspotting can help in psychotherapy:
- Accessing the Subconscious Mind: Brainspotting focuses on the idea that our eyes are gateways to the subconscious mind. By using eye positions to locate specific points, known as "brainspots," therapists can access and work with unconscious material, memories, and emotions that might not be immediately accessible through traditional talk therapy.
- Targeting the Limbic System: Brainspotting targets the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and memories. By accessing this area, the therapy can directly impact the emotional and physiological responses associated with past traumatic events or distressing experiences.
- Bilateral Stimulation: During Brainspotting, the therapist may use bilateral stimulation, which involves tapping or sound to stimulate both sides of the brain simultaneously. Bilateral stimulation has been shown to enhance the brain's natural capacity for healing and integration, promoting emotional regulation and reducing emotional distress.
- Dual Attunement: One of the unique aspects of Brainspotting is the concept of "dual attunement." This refers to the simultaneous connection the therapist maintains with both the client's internal experience and their own internal experience. This deep attunement helps create a strong therapeutic alliance and fosters a sense of safety and trust.
- Focused Attention: During a Brainspotting session, the therapist and client work together to identify specific eye positions (brainspots) related to distressing experiences or emotions. The client then focuses their attention on these spots while allowing whatever comes up to emerge naturally. This process allows for the processing and integration of unresolved emotional material.
- No Need to Relive Trauma: Unlike some trauma therapies that require clients to recount distressing events, Brainspotting does not necessitate re-experiencing trauma in detail. Instead, clients can process traumatic memories without being overwhelmed by them, as the therapeutic approach provides a sense of containment and safety.
- Whole-Brain Processing: Brainspotting facilitates whole-brain processing, allowing the brain's natural capacity for healing and integration to occur. This means that both the logical, rational part of the brain (the neocortex) and the emotional, instinctual part (the limbic system) can work together in harmony to promote healing and resolution.
- Application to Various Issues: Brainspotting has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, performance anxiety, grief, and more. It is particularly beneficial for clients who have experienced complex trauma or have difficulty accessing emotions through traditional talk therapy alone.
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Online scheduling is for current clients only. Login to your client portal below.