Introduction
In my years of working with individuals who have faced trauma, I’ve discovered that healing often lies in the subtleties of our experiences. Brainspotting therapy is a unique and transformative method that taps into the subconscious of a person to help address PTSD and other emotional challenges. The core idea behind Brainspotting is looking in a certain direction while thinking of something upsetting and feeling it in our body can help us access deep-seated feelings and physical sensations within the brain/body connection. Our eyes help us get below our thinking mind to shift from a state of distress to a more relaxed connected state of being. In this blog, I will explain what PTSD is and how Brainspotting can be utilized to support the healing process, offering insights into how this therapeutic method works to address trauma.
What is PTSD?
Understanding How Brainspotting Therapy Addresses PTSD
In my years of working with individuals who have faced trauma, I’ve worked with the understanding trauma is not just a memory we hold in our minds, but something we carry within our bodies. Brainspotting therapy is designed to access the deep parts of the brain/body that hold trauma and release it.
During a Brainspotting session, my clients and I explore what they want to work on, we then find a body sensation connected to it and then an eye position connected to the body sensation. This visual focused spot is known as a “brainspot.”
The Science Behind Brainspotting
Brainspotting was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003 and is based on the idea that where you look affects how you feel. By positioning the eyes in a way that targets certain areas of the brain, Brainspotting works to unlock trauma stored in the body. This technique taps into the brain’s ability to self-scan and heal, especially the subcortical parts where trauma, emotional pain, and distress are often stored.
For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of Brainspotting as a treatment for PTSD, I recommend reading Brainspotting: A Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by LeeAnn M. Horton, Cynthia Schwartzberg, and others. This study, starting on page 58, delves into how Brainspotting compares to traditional therapy methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating PTSD, with significant findings on its long-term benefits.
What to Expect During a Brainspotting Session
During the session, you’ll focus on this spot while staying aware of your body and emotions. This focus often brings up memories, emotions, or sensations connected to the trauma. The session is not about forcing anything to happen but allowing your brain and body to naturally bring these feelings to the surface for healing.
Brainspotting sessions are typically quiet, but I remain actively present, providing support and guidance throughout the process. The goal is to create a safe space where you can access and release these deep-rooted feelings in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
How Brainspotting Can Help With PTSD
Conclusion
