What is BRAINSPOTTING?
BRAINSPOTTING is a body-brain based relational therapy that uses where you look to access stored material in your subcortical brain. Accessing this stored material allows your own natural process to unfold, metabolizing and moving you towards a regulated, state of homeostasis.
David Grand, PhD discovered BRAINSPOTTING in 2003 while using EMDR therapy. Since then, the research supports that BRAINSPOTTING has high rates of efficacy and creates “rapid and effective change.” Following the Newtown-Sandy Hook Tragedy, BRAINSPOTTING was found to be the most effective therapy used with the survivors of that school shooting.
As a client, in a BRAINSPOTTING session we start by selecting what you want to focus on, connect to activation in your body, identify a corresponding spot in your visual field, and then you practice focused mindfulness while gazing at your spot and listening to bilateral music while the therapist offers an attuned, compassionate presence.
What happens for clients is fascinating! Each client’s experience is different, but many have reflexive and releasing type responses like yawning, blinking, coughing, hot/cold sensations, crying, tingling, vivid images, or reviewing experiences. At the end of sessions, most clients report things like feeling deeply relaxed, fatigued, more focused, having new insight around their issue, and reduction in symptoms.
BRAINSPOTTING is a promising therapy for most types of symptoms such as sleep disturbance, low mood, anxiety, irritability, negative beliefs, interpersonal issues, trauma and stress responses, and chronic pain.
If you are curious about trying a therapy beyond talk therapy, please reach out. I am currently accepting new individual teenager and adult clients in MN and WI for BRAINSPOTTING. To learn more explore the Brainspotting.com website.
References:
Grand, D. & Brainspotting Trainings Inc. (2021). Brainspotting: Phase One Training Manual. Presented by Lisa Larson.
Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change.
Newton-Sandy Hook Community Foundation Inc. (2016). Report of Findings form the Community Survey.
